News Article
Launch of Fabulose:
Fabricating vegan and circular leather alternatives from bio-tech derived cellulose
The EU funded Fabulose project has officially launched in June 2025, starting a major step
forward in the development of sustainable, animal-free leather alternatives. Coordinated
by the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research and grouping a consortium of leading
research institutes, biotech innovators, and industry stakeholders, Fabulose aims to transform
the artificial leather materials landscape by developing efficient biotech routes for the
production of high-performance, biodegradable leather-like fabrics derived from bacterial
cellulose and cyanophycin.
The project, supported by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), is
designed to address the urgent need for alternative environmentally responsible materials in
sectors such as automotive, fashion, and upholstery. By leveraging advanced fermentation
techniques and AI-driven process optimisation, Fabulose will scale up the production of biobased materials that replicate the durability and aesthetics of traditional leather, while
minimising environmental impact.
“Fabulose is not just about replacing leather; it’s about rethinking how we produce and consume materials,” said Iris Houthoff, coordinator of the project and researcher at the German Institute for Textiles and Fibers Research. “Our goal is to deliver a circular, sustainable, and scalable solution that aligns with the European Green Deal and sets a new benchmark for sustainable innovation.”
Key features of the project include:
• Innovation Pipeline: Development of novel coating, finishing, and recycling processes
to ensure technical excellence and environmental safety.
• Circular Design: Monitor and optimize the entire lifecycle of the materials.
• Eco-Performance: Targeting a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared
to conventional leather production.
• Stakeholder Engagement: A robust communication and dissemination strategy to
foster adoption across industries and communities.
The project kicked off with a two-day event in June 2025, where partners aligned on technical
work packages, stakeholder engagement strategies, and exploitation pathways.
Fabulose is poised to become a flagship initiative in Europe’s transition to a circular
bioeconomy, offering a compelling alternative to fossil-based and animal-derived materials.
