The BIOntier research project, aimed at advancing sustainable, circular biocomposites with high-performance features for multi-sector applications, officially kicked off this week with a working meeting at the FORTH research centre in Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
The International Centre for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE) is an active partner in this initiative represented by researchers Dr. Lucia Barbu and Dr. Alejandro Cornejo, from the centre’s Aeronautical, Marine, Automotive and Energy Engineering, and the Large-Scale Multiphysics Computations research clusters, respectively.
BIOntier unites a consortium of 25 partners from 12 countries, that will work for three years to develop and scale new-generation bio-based composites (BioCs) characterized by enhanced durability, lightness, and recyclability. These advanced materials are designed to meet the performance demands of sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and hydrogen energy, thanks to their high-impact resistance, thermal tolerance, and chemical resilience.
Aiming for Optimized, Eco-Friendly Manufacturing
One of the primary objectives of BIOntier is to transform bio-based composites from mid-level research stages to industrial production, advancing Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) from 4-5 to 6-7. The project seeks to maximize the environmental and industrial impact of these materials by optimizing manufacturing processes to reduce ecological footprint while increasing product stability and synthesis efficiency.
Showcasing Six Use Cases
During the length of the process, researchers will test BIOntier’s results and capabilities using six targeted applications, including vehicle components, aviation parts, and water filtration systems:
Vehicle Cockpit Dashboards and Impact Absorbers for the Jeep Renegade and Egea Hatchback models, prioritizing lightweight design and safety.
Battery Pack Housings for Jeep Avenger, BMW E-scooter, and LUCID vehicles, enhancing protection with minimal added weight.
Supersonic Aircraft Panels for Dawn Mk-II Aurora, adapted to withstand thermal and mechanical demands.
Hydrogen and Water Filtration Tanks tailored for the hydrogen economy and improved purification processes.
Strengthening Europe’s Bioeconomy
By creating bio-based composites for strategic sectors, BIOntier seeks to position the European Union as a global leader in sustainable materials. A unique coalition of major industries, research centres, and SMEs will work together to advance the EU’s bioeconomy goals, accelerating the time-to-market for eco-innovative solutions and promoting a circular economy with widespread societal and industrial benefits.
BIOntier is funded by the Horizon Europe program, with a project budget of over €8 million, setting a significant precedent for innovation in Europe’s green technology ambitions.
Aligned with CIMNE’s Research Priorities
The BIOntier project represents a concrete example of CIMNE’s priority in seeking innovative solutions to environmental challenges through cross-cutting partnerships and advanced research. The centre’s stated research priorities respond to pressing societal issues and are informed, among others, by the EU Missions in Horizon Europe and UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
