PHAtex

The rising demand for raw materials is pushing society towards the limits of our planet. As resources become scarcer and more expensive, the transition to sustainable systems and products is no longer optional but essential.

Europe’s chemical industry is under growing pressure from global challenges such as the energy crisis, climate change and geopolitical instability. In 2023, European plastics production dropped by 13% compared to 2018. 

To remain competitive and resilient, the sector must introduce innovative products and processes while using raw materials and energy more sustainably.

This urgency is reinforced by European policies such as the Green Deal, PPWR and the Circular Plastic Alliance, which set ambitious targets for CO₂ reduction and resource transition.

The Flanders–Netherlands border region plays a pivotal role in this transition. As part of the leading ARRR cluster (Antwerp–Rotterdam–Rhine-Ruhr), home to around 40% of the EU’s chemical industry, the region benefits from strong logistics, state-of-the-art infrastructure and a dense network of large companies and SMEs active in innovative materials.

Bio-based materials offer a powerful solution by reducing dependence on fossil resources and supporting a circular economy. 

Recognising this potential, the EU has identified bio-based products as a key priority for future growth and societal impact. By 2050, bio-based sources are expected to account for 20% of total carbon demand in the chemical sector.

PHAtex addresses these ambitions by unlocking the potential of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) for textile applications. These biopolyesters, produced by bacteria, combine attractive mechanical properties with exceptional biodegradability. Through a multidisciplinary approach, PHAtex develops tailored PHA formulations to replace fossil-based textile polymers while helping to mitigate environmental pollution, particularly microplastics.

The PHAtex project aims to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as 100% bio-based feedstocks for the textile industry. By doing so, PHAtex seeks to stimulate the biopolymer market, create new cross-sector value chains, and strengthen collaboration between industry, research organisations and public authorities (triple helix), with a strong focus on SMEs.

A core objective is to build expertise in selecting and formulating suitable PHA materials, particularly PHA copolymers and blends tailored for textile extrusion processes. Through blending with other PHAs, bio-based polyesters and functional additives, material properties are optimised for both processability and end-use performance.  

The ultimate goal is to provide a sustainable alternative to fossil-based polyester, which still dominates today’s textile market. 

In addition to material development, PHAtex уделears significant attention to end-of-life strategies. Both biodegradability and recyclability of PHA-based textile materials are investigated, addressing a clear knowledge gap in current literature. Furthermore, the project assesses microfibre and microplastic release during use and washing, and compares these impacts with conventional textiles. As textile washing is a major source of primary microplastics, naturally biodegradable materials such as PHAs offer a promising solution. 

PHAtex is distinctly market-oriented, translating research outcomes into tangible applications through the development of textile demonstrators.

This approach supports SMEs in advancing towards commercial products with measurable benefits in terms of CO₂ reduction and circularity. Finally, the project embeds newly developed knowledge into education and training programmes, strengthening innovation capacity in the border region and ensuring a future supply of skilled professionals for industry. 
 

The development and deployment of sustainable polymers in textile applications is key to the transition from fossil-based to renewable raw materials. Addressing this challenge requires close collaboration between research institutions and industry. Given the international nature of the textile market, cross-border cooperation is essential to ensure broad support, market acceptance and effective knowledge sharing. 

The PHAtex project fulfils this connecting role by bringing together businesses, public authorities and research organizations.

In line with the European Green Deal, the consortium brings together an interdisciplinary team with complementary expertise, infrastructure and experience.