HALOPHYTE BIOREFINERY PROCESS FOR SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION OF TEXTILES, COMPOSITES, AND HIGH-VALUE BIOCHEMICALS

This poster was presented by Next Technology Tecnotessile at the European Biomass Conference & Exhibition (EUBCE 2026), held in The Hague, the Netherlands, on 19–22 May 2026. It presents work carried out within the HALO-TEX project.

HALO-TEX is an EU-funded project that aims to make the textile and biochemical supply chains sustainable and circular. To reduce reliance on water-intensive, high-impact raw materials such as cotton and wool, it works with halophytes: salt-tolerant plants that can grow on marginal or salinised land, restoring soil health and improving water management without competing with food production.

The project develops a patented, solvent-free, low-energy and zero-waste biorefinery process that converts halophytes into cellulose-based fibre substrates optimised for garment recycling, bio-composites for textile accessories, and biochemical ingredients for cosmetics and textile finishing. Next Technology Tecnotessile works on the manufacturing pathway from raw fibre to spun yarn and finished knitted fabric, integrating natural functional additives: micro/nanofibrillated cellulose (MNFC) for flame retardancy, lignin nanoparticles (LNP) for UV protection, and polyphenols with antibacterial properties. HALO-TEX is also developing a secure digital system to ensure traceability, transparency and safety across the value chain.