A European consortium led by CIRCE has officially 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 by introducing advanced bio-based materials, applying circular economy principles, and implementing Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) solutions to ensure health, safety, and environmental responsibility throughout the building lifecycle.

The project brings together 22 partners from 10 countries. United by a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability, the BIOS MATER consortium integrates research institutions, SMEs, large industry players, and policy stakeholders to develop high-performance building products derived from renewable resources, paving the way for safer, low-carbon, and scalable construction practices across Europe.

BIOS MATER responds to the urgent need for change in a sector that accounts for approximately 37% of global CO₂ emissions. By reimagining conventional materials, the project aims to deliver bio-based alternatives that match or exceed current standards in durability, safety, and performance. Through a holistic and innovation-driven approach, BIOS MATER aims to integrate circular economy strategies to reduce waste and promote market adoption, supported by digital transparency and active stakeholder engagement.

A central focus of the project is the development of four innovative bio-based construction products:

• Sandwich panels for flooring, interior panelling, and furniture;
• Wall panels and flooring tiles made from bio-based thermoplastics;
• Exterior cladding panels using fiber-reinforced bio-resin composites;
• Biodegradable, plantable tiles from bio-based foams for interior drywalls. 

These solutions will be tested under real-world conditions in a dedicated demonstration park (DEMOpark), designed to showcase their performance, scalability, and environmental benefits in practical applications.

By equipping the construction sector with sustainable, high-performance alternatives, BIOS MATER will directly support the European Green Deal, the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan, and climate neutrality goals. The project represents a significant step towards a bio-based future, where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand to reshape the foundations of the built environment.