SSUCHY-Next Turns One: A Year of Breakthroughs in Bio-Based Composites
The European project SSUCHY-Next has completed its first year, achieving major milestones in bio-based composite innovation. Supported by CBE JU, the 16-member consortium unites research institutions and industry leaders. Together, they aim to transform bio-based materials into industrial solutions for wind energy and construction.
From Field to Fibre: Building Europe’s Hemp Chain
In the past year, partners such as Terre de Lin, Ecotechnilin, and Linificio e Canapificio Nazionale produced over 4 tons of hemp slivers, along with yarns, tapes, and fabrics. These fibers are being tested across Europe, turning raw material into next-generation composites.
According to Prof. Aart W. van Vuure, Project Coordinator and researcher at KU Leuven,
“We see that hemp fibre properties match those of flax fibre when produced at scale. We also see clear paths forward to scale up our bio-based benzoxazine and acrylate resin systems.”
From Labs to Industry: Scaling Sustainable Materials
Researchers and industrial partners have been busy developing new resins, testing composites, and designing demonstrators. At Bitrez Ltd, scientists created a patented water-based benzoxazine resin—a key step toward safer and more sustainable chemistry.
Meanwhile, Arkema is progressing toward a 90% bio-based version of Elium®, exploring fresh routes for bio-based methyl methacrylate (MMA).
Mechanical tests at KU Leuven, Delft University of Technology, and Université Marie et Louis Pasteur confirmed that Ecotechnilin’s HempTape performs as well as flax-based tapes. When combined with bio-based resins, this material will form the core of a 13-meter hemp composite wind turbine blade, one of SSUCHY-Next’s flagship achievements.
Sustainable Construction: The Next Frontier
At the same time, partners such as NPSP and Woodoo are developing hemp-filled and hybrid wood-hemp materials for the construction sector. Their goal is to combine eco-friendly materials with architectural performance.
Early Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) results are promising. They show that hemp cultivation and bio-based resins can significantly lower carbon emissions compared to traditional composites.
Celebrating a Milestone in Bergamo
To celebrate its first anniversary, the SSUCHY-Next team met on October 1–2, 2025, in Bergamo, Italy, hosted by Linificio e Canapificio Nazionale. The event took place at the Palazzo dei Contratti e Manifestazioni, followed by a visit to Linificio’s spinning mill in Villa d’Almè. This gathering symbolically linked Europe’s rich textile heritage with modern innovation.
During the two-day meeting, partners reviewed progress, discussed research challenges, and planned next steps. These include industrial demonstrators for 2026–2027, patent preparations, and an international stakeholder workshop in early 2027.
Cinzia Xodo, Communication Manager at Linificio e Canapificio Nazionale SB, noted,
“Hosting the consortium in Bergamo connects our textile tradition with innovation. We aim to make hemp and flax central to the composites of the future—combining industrial strength with sustainability.”
Looking Ahead
As SSUCHY-Next moves into its second year, the focus will be on large-scale demonstrators, mechanical validation, and industrial partnerships. These steps will help accelerate market adoption of bio-based composites.
The consortium will meet again in March 2026 in Tarbes, France, with a technical visit to Arkema to continue advancing sustainable material innovation.
