A European consortium led by CIRCE has launched BIOS MATER, a Horizon Europe project co-funded by the Circular Bio-Based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) and the European Union. The initiative aims to transform the construction sector through advanced bio-based materials, circular economy principles, and Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) solutions.
The project brings together 22 partners from 10 countries, uniting research, industry, and policy to create high-performance building products from renewable resources — paving the way for safer, low-carbon, and scalable construction.
Reimagining materials for a sustainable future
The construction industry accounts for around 37% of global CO₂ emissions, with significant environmental impacts across the building lifecycle. BIOS MATER addresses this challenge by developing bio-based products that match, and in some cases exceed, the durability, safety, and performance of conventional materials.
BIOS MATER takes a holistic, innovation-driven approach to overcome these barriers, improving material durability and performance while ensuring health, safety, and sustainability through SSbD principles. It will integrate circular economy approaches to minimise waste and drive market adoption through digital transparency and active stakeholder engagement.
“This is an exciting opportunity to rethink the foundations of our built environment,” says Carlos Pérez, Project Coordinator at CIRCE.
“It is truly inspiring to see partners from all over Europe working towards the same goal: to decarbonize the construction sector by applying principles of the bioeconomy and circular economy. The diversity and expertise within the BIOS MATER consortium empower us to create innovations that are both sustainable and practical for the market. I am eager to see these actions being accomplished”.
Building a Bio-Based Future
The project will develop four innovative bio-based products: core products and sandwich panels for flooring, interior paneling, and furniture; wall panels and flooring tiles from bio-based thermoplastics; exterior cladding panels made from fiber-reinforced bio-resin composites; and biodegradable, plantable tiles from bio-based foams for interior drywalls. All products will be tested under real-world conditions in a dedicated demonstration park (DEMOpark), showcasing their performance, scalability, and environmental benefits.
A European Partnership for Impact
Led by CIRCE, the BIOS MATER consortium unites research institutions, SMEs, large industry, and policy partners. Together, they will create pathways for sustainable construction practices that are safe, scalable, and market-ready. By equipping the construction sector with sustainable, high-performance alternatives, BIOS MATER directly supports the European Green Deal, the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan, and climate neutrality goals.
