HYDROCOLTON (101157564)

  https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101157564

  Horizon Europe (2021-2027)

  Novel Fiber Cotton Coloration for a Revolutionary Sustainability Breakthrough in Textile Applications

  ERC PROOF OF CONCEPT GRANTS (ERC-2023-POC)

  fibers  ·  synthetic dyes  ·  business models  ·  agriculture  ·  sustainable economy

  2024-04-01 Start Date (YY-MM-DD)

  2025-09-30 End Date (YY-MM-DD)

  € 0

  Description

Cotton is the world's most important non-food crop, accounting for 35% of global fiber production, but it is environmentally demanding and resource-intensive. Its production, especially the dyeing process, pollutes and depletes water and soil resources. The current strategies for cotton dyeing still rely on old manufacturing processes that yield large quantities of chemical and water waste. Thus, it is urgent to seek sustainable alternatives to meet acceptable environmental and social standards. This Proof of Concept (PoC) project aims to prepare the commercialization of novel molecules able to modify cotton fibers in planta for textile applications, providing them with color. This innovative approach minimizes chemical waste associated with dyeing, plus achieving up to a 90% reduction in water usage through hydroponic cotton growth. By growing cotton fibers with built-in colors in hydroponic settings, we seek to pioneer a zero-chemical-waste dyeing process while significantly reducing water consumption. Our innovation addresses the fashion industry's need for distinctive, eco-friendly textile products, presenting exciting opportunities to meet the growing consumer demand for more sustainable products. For this endeavor, our objective is to craft a diverse set of molecules strategically designed to navigate and surpass inherent biochemical barriers. Moving forward, we will seek to demonstrate the efficacy of these novel molecules on cotton plants. Simultaneously, we aim to evaluate the commercial viability and potential market of HYDROCOLTON's groundbreaking innovation within the cotton value chain. We will validate our business model and commercialization plans with the constant engagement of relevant market stakeholders.

  Complicit Organisations

1 Israeli organisation participates in HYDROCOLTON.