BIOTEXFUTURE is an open innovation platform where companies, universities, research institutes, and associations collaborate to accelerate the transition of the textile industry from petroleum-based to bio-based materials. Members of BIOTEXFUTURE can submit project proposals and receive public funding from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). They also participate in networking events, knowledge exchange, and joint research activities within a protected environment governed by a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

A clear vision for industry transformation
BIOTEXFUTURE's mission is to reduce the global dependence on synthetic, petroleum-based fibres that cause environmental, social, and economic problems. The initiative aims to transform the textile value chain by developing sustainable bio-based raw materials, mapping their application from biopolymer to finished textile, and addressing the broader societal transformation towards bioeconomy.

Structured research for systemic change
Since its launch in 2019, the initiative has funded 20 research projects across five key areas:

• Substrate and Material Development: for example, the BioBase project replaced petroleum-based materials with biopolymers, achieving equivalent performance in sportswear, automotive, and interior textiles.
• Product and Process Development: for example, the BioTurf project created artificial turf from bio-polyethene using thermobonding technology, now operational as a demonstration pitch in Aachen.
• Textile Finishing: for example, the BioCoat project developed protein-based coatings, achieving 99.998% bacterial reduction and moisture management over ten wash cycles without hazardous chemicals.
• Circular Economy: for example, the CircWool project established solvent-based recycling, converting wool waste into pure keratin fibres.
• Social Development: for example, the TransitionLab project researches technology acceptance, consumer behaviour, and ethical-legal aspects to facilitate societal transformation toward bioeconomy.

Collaborative governance for practical results
BIOTEXFUTURE's management structure demonstrates the value of cross-sector collaboration. The Institute of Textile Technology (ITA) and the Institute of Sociology at RWTH Aachen provide research leadership, while Adidas AG leads as industry partner. This configuration ensures that research remains grounded in practical market requirements while maintaining scientific rigour.
BIOTEXFUTURE functions as a coordinated innovation space rather than isolated projects, fostering sustained collaboration that connects laboratory developments with market readiness while tackling barriers to bio-based fibre adoption. Open to organisations worldwide at no cost, it offers a protected environment for sharing knowledge and exploring opportunities beyond traditional competitive boundaries. In this way, BIOTEXTFUTURE has created Germany's largest network for textile bio-economy.