A new scientific study involving UPWEARS researchers shows that the performance of a 3D-printed bio-based composite depends on more than just what the material is made of. How it is printed can significantly change its internal structure and its mechanical and thermal properties. When developing more sustainable materials, choosing the right ingredients is only part… Continue reading How can 3D printing tune bio-based composites for strength or insulation?
UPWEARS partners and guests gathered in Lorient and on the island of Groix for four days of scientific talks, laboratory visits and discussions about the project’s progress. How can researchers compare two plant fibres when even fibres from the same plant can behave differently? This question opened UPWEARS Workshop #3, held on 15 September 2026… Continue reading UPWEARS Workshop #3 and 5th Consortium Meeting: Four Days in Brittany
A new study involving UPWEARS researchers introduces a method to uncover information hidden in the way plant fibres respond to stretching. How much force can a plant fibre withstand before it breaks? This is an important question when developing bio-based materials. But strength alone does not tell the whole story. The way a fibre stretches… Continue reading Stretching plant fibres: what can a curve reveal?
New UPWEARS review explores the future of Europe’s natural fibres A comprehensive scientific review reveals how climate change could reshape the production, quality and availability of flax and hemp fibres, and why preparing today is essential for tomorrow’s sustainable textile industry. As Europe accelerates its transition towards bio-based materials, flax and hemp have become strategic resources for textiles, composites and… Continue reading Can flax and hemp withstand climate change?
New UPWEARS research reveals how industrial bleaching can strenghten flax fibres from the inside out Bleaching is a common step in textile processing, used to clean natural fibres and prepare them for spinning and dyeing. But what happens inside flax fibres during this treatment? And how does it affect their performance? A new scientific publication resulting… Continue reading Looking inside flax fibres: what does bleaching really change?
What if the future of sportswear was already designed millions of years ago by nature? The UPWEARS suit aims for multi-functionality: breathability, heat management, waterproofness, impact absorption, bioluminescence. All this should be made of biodegradable, biobased materials. Does this sound like a revolution in the textile industry? Yes! Is this impossible? No! The reason to be optimistic is that it is feasible. Biological… Continue reading Learning from Nature: How Biomimicry Is Inspiring the Textiles of Tomorrow
Hoël Tricou Le Pennec explores plant fibre durability within UPWEARS scope. Stepping into a new research culture PhD mobilities are first and foremost human and scientific journeys. For Hoël Tricou Le Pennec, spending three months at the University of Cambridge was an opportunity to step outside his usual research environment and immerse himself in a new… Continue reading From Université Bretagne Sud to the University of Cambridge: a PhD mobility within UPWEARS
SAVE THE DATE UPWEARS Workshop on Recycling and Additive Manufacturing for Sustainable and Circular Economy February 9, 2027, AMN12 conference, Auckland (NZ) How can textile waste be transformed into high-value functional materials? And how can additive manufacturing support the transition towards a circular and sustainable textile industry? On 9th February 2027, the UPWEARS project will host its 4th Workshop in Auckland, New Zealand, as part of the 12th International Conference on Advanced Materials & Nanotechnology (AMN12). This full-day mini-symposium will explore key advances in recycling strategies for… Continue reading Workshop #4: UPWEARS at AMN12
On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February), the UPWEARS project launched the “Women in UPWEARS” campaign. Deployed over several weeks, this editorial series combined videos and articles to highlight the women contributing to the project, with the objective of showcasing their expertise, roles and perspectives within the… Continue reading Women in UPWEARS: Highlighting Women Driving Innovation in Smart and Sustainable Textiles
This project has received funding from the Horizon Europe programme under grant agreement No 101130741. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, the Horizon Europe or the HADEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
