A large-scale collaborative bioeconomy initiative has been launched by CITEVE, the Portuguese Textile and Clothing Technological Centre, with funding of €138 million, including €71 million from the Portuguese Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) approved by the European Commission.

According to Antonio Braz Costa, general manager of CITEVE, the ambitious project known as Be@t (Bioeconomy at Textiles) aims to usher in a new era for the textile and apparel industry by establishing "a new rhythm of change in all segments across the sector."

Mr Braz Costa says that Be@t will boost the creation of added-value products from biological resources instead of using fossil raw materials while keeping in mind the necessity of producing high-quality products and expanding to new market opportunities.

A coalition of 54 organizations, including businesses, academic institutions, technological centers, and other partners, are working on the project under the direction of CITEVE. They began scheduling their working sessions in CITEVE's premises in Vila Nova de Famalico, Portugal.

According to Mr. Braz Costa, these activities are very essential first steps for the massive shift they are starting to make in the textile and apparel business and will overhaul the entire sector in three years, from feedstock to design R&D, or production lines.

The bioeconomy initiative, according to Braz Costa, entails significant difficulties for inventors, researchers, and developers as well as a sizable financial commitment. Be@t will also support the alignment of the market and legal requirements connected to environmental and global conservation. The project is also anticipated to open up a new chapter in terms of raw materials as well as new production or processing methods, tools, and technology. According to CITEVE, the investment would therefore lead to the significant market potential for the industry as it advances sales tactics and promotion initiatives in other nations, enabling the display of 'Made in Portugal' textiles and apparel.