Fabulose aims to develop innovative, vegan, and recyclable leather-like fabrics that replicate the look, feel, and durability of traditional leather while reducing environmental impact. Our materials are based on bacterial cellulose, cyanophycin and bacterial pigments, produced using CO₂ emissions and food-industry side streams. Through advanced fermentation, AI-driven process optimization, and novel coating and finishing techniques, Fabulose seeks scalable, cost-efficient production suitable for roll-to-roll manufacturing. 

Bacterial cellulose is a high purity form of cellulose produced by certain bacteria, known for its strength, flexibility, and fine nanofiber structure. It is used in food, medical materials, and advanced textiles. Additionally, BC is biodegradable, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic polymers.  

CP is a biobased polymer that is naturally produced by cyanobacteria and some heterotrophic bacteria for storing nitrogen and carbon. Its structure, which comprises aspartic acid and arginine, gives it a high nitrogen content, biodegradability and useful chemical functionalities. Due to these properties, CP can be used as a renewable raw material in the production of biodegradable polymers, speciality chemicals and slow-release fertilisers. It is also suitable for biotechnology and materials applications, including hydrogels, functional additives, and modified coatings or films. Within Fabulose, a scalable biotech production process for CP is being developed.

Bacterial pigments are natural colouring agents produced by bacteria. They give bacterial cells their colour and serve important biological functions, such as protection, communication and metabolism. Due to their biobased, biodegradable and often non-toxic nature, they are being explored as natural colourants for use in cosmetics, textiles and food, as well as in functional materials with antioxidant or antimicrobial activity.

Textile backing refers to the supporting fabric layer that provides structure, strength and stability. It can be made from woven or nonwoven materials, foam, or polymer coatings. This backing helps the textile keep its shape, improves handling during manufacturing, and can add extra functionality such as cushioning or water resistance. It is commonly used for example in coated textiles, upholstery, carpets, and technical fabrics. 

HighPerCell® is a patented, eco-friendly spinning technology developed by the German Institute of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF). It enables the production of high-performance, continuous cellulose fibres from various bio-based materials, such as wood pulp, agricultural residues or hemp.

Key innovations of the production process include: 

1. Using fermentation products to enable fast and cost-effective production of raw materials. 
2. Grow micro-organisms on waste feedstocks & CO2 to reduce production costs and environmental impact. 
3. Re-spinning bacterial cellulose to filaments to create recyclable, consistent and high-quality fabrics. 
4. Enabling production of cyanophycin to create durable coatings & finishing. 
5. Implementing roll-to-roll production process to simplify future scale-up. 

The project will produce prototypes for handbags and small leather goods, with applications expanding to furniture, automotive interiors, apparel, and home decor. By collaborating with key industry partners, Fabulose accelerates the adoption of next-generation bio-based materials, creating new market opportunities, fostering sustainable growth, and reinforcing Europe’s circular and green manufacturing landscape. 

Consumers increasingly demand ethical, ecofriendly materials. Fabulose addresses this by eliminating animal-based inputs and harmful plastics, while offering durability, tear-resistance and a premium feel suitable for fashion, accessories and interior applications. 

Fabulose uses industrial CO₂ and agrifood side streams, develops fully biobased materials, and integrates recyclability and biodegradability requirements into both design and production processes. 

Fabulose advances lab-proven technologies (TRL 2–3) to pilot-scale production (TRL 5), ensuring consistent quality and scalability of bio-based, animal-free leather-like fabrics.  To secure long-term impact and commercial success, the project develops validated business models, replication strategies, and a robust IP management framework. These measures support market readiness and facilitate the transition from pilot production to full-scale commercialization.