10180951BioActivewear: Feasibility of Bio-Based PET Alternatives for the Next Generation of Performance ApparelClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKThe BioActivewear project will develop new bio-based, renewable polymers designed to reduce the environmental impact of high-performance textiles. Today's activewear and technical fabrics rely heavily on fossil-derived polyester (PET), a durable and versatile material that also carries a significant carbon footprint and contributes to long-term microplastic pollution. Biome Technologies will lead a short, focused feasibility study to assess whether a new class of bio-PDCA-based polyesters, produced from renewable and non-fossil feedstocks, can match the performance of PET while offering a substantially lower life-cycle carbon footprint. These polymers could enable the next generation of sustainable, recyclable materials for performance apparel and technical textiles, combining durability with reduced environmental impact. The project will synthesise and evaluate small quantities of two target polymers optimised for durability, mechanical strength, and colour performance. The materials will be analysed for fibre-relevant properties such as crystallinity, dye uptake, and overall processability to assess whether these novel materials can meet the demanding mechanical and aesthetic standards required for performance fabrics. This feasibility study builds on Biome's wider research into renewable aromatic monomers and its proven experience developing scalable bio-based polymer processes. The company has already demonstrated successful production of PDCA-derived materials at pilot scale and continues to refine routes that integrate biological and chemical processing for sustainable manufacture. By developing durable bio-based polymers for long-life applications, BioActivewear supports the transition to net zero and resource-efficient manufacturing. The project aligns with Innovate UK's Materials and Manufacturing Vision 2050 by combining advanced polymer chemistry with sustainable feedstocks to demonstrate that sustainable materials can achieve both exceptional performance and a lower environmental impact. If successful, BioActivewear will lay the groundwork for large-scale development and future commercial collaboration, positioning the UK as a global leader in sustainable materials innovation for the textile and performance-apparel sectors.