SSUCHY-Next: Advancing Bio-Based Composites in Europe
A milestone year in sustainable innovation from hemp fields to real-world applications
Marking its first anniversary, the European SSUCHY-Next project celebrates major strides in developing bio-based composites for wind energy and construction. Bringing together 16 partners across six countries, the initiative is turning hemp-derived materials into scalable, high-performance industrial solutions.
The European project SSUCHY-Next, funded by CBE JU, has completed its first year of progress in transforming bio-based composites into scalable industrial solutions. The 16-partner consortium is working to make bio-derived composite materials viable for the wind energy and building sectors.
According to Prof. Aart W. van Vuure of KU Leuven, Project Coordinator, “Hemp fibre properties are comparable to flax when produced at scale, and we’re identifying clear pathways to scale up our bio-based benzoxazine and acrylate resin systems.”
Building a European Bio-Based Value Chain
Through partnerships with Terre de Lin, Ecotechnilin, and Linificio e Canapificio Nazionale, the project has already produced over 4 tons of premium hemp slivers and several kilograms of yarns, tapes, and fabrics. These fibers are now being tested across Europe to develop next-generation sustainable composites.
From Lab Innovation to Industrial Reality
Industrial partners have achieved major milestones, including Bitrez Ltd. developing a patented water-based benzoxazine resin, while Arkema advances toward a 90% bio-based Elium® resin. Mechanical testing at KU Leuven, TU Delft, and Université Marie et Louis Pasteur confirms that Ecotechnilin’s HempTape performs as effectively as traditional flax-based materials. These advances will culminate in one of the project’s most ambitious prototypes — a 13-meter hemp composite wind turbine blade.
Sustainable Construction Solutions
In parallel, NPSP and Woodoo are developing hybrid hemp-wood materials for the construction sector, offering bio-based alternatives that merge performance with sustainability. Early Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) results indicate significant reductions in carbon emissions compared to standard composites.
Celebrating Progress in Bergamo
To mark its anniversary, the consortium met on October 1–2, 2025, in Bergamo, Italy, hosted by Linificio e Canapificio Nazionale. The gathering at Palazzo dei Contratti e Manifestazioni, followed by a visit to the company’s historic spinning mill, reinforced the project’s connection to Europe’s textile heritage.
Cinzia Xodo, Communication Manager at Linificio, stated, “Hosting the SSUCHY-Next consortium in Bergamo bridges centuries of fibre craftsmanship with modern innovation. Collaboration across Europe will be vital in establishing new circular value chains.”
Looking Ahead
As SSUCHY-Next enters its next phase, the focus will shift to producing large-scale demonstrators, validating mechanical and environmental performance, and reinforcing industrial collaboration to accelerate market adoption. The next consortium meeting is scheduled for March 2026 in Tarbes, France, with a technical visit to Arkema.
About SSUCHY-Next
Duration: 2024–2028 | Budget: €8.7M | CBE JU Funding: €6.7M
With 16 partners across six European countries, SSUCHY-Next aims to prove that hemp-based composites can meet industrial performance standards while reducing environmental impact — shaping the future of sustainable materials.
Learn more at www.ssuchy-next.eu