Room: Poster Area
Date: Thursday, 21 May 2026
Time: 17:30 - 18:30 CEST
Session code 6CV.9
Carbon-based materials and applications
ECOFUNC: Eco-Friendly Circular and Functional Building Materials for Sustainable Construction
Short Introductive summary
ECOFUNC aims to transform the building and construction (B&C) industry - one of the largest global markets and a major environmental polluter - by introducing carbon-negative polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as sustainable materials. Produced by microorganisms using CO2 as feedstock, PHAs offer a recyclable, bio-based alternative to conventional, non-renewable products. The project will create the first EU circular value chains for PHA-based applications such as façade cladding, ceiling tiles, and partition walls. These panels will integrate bio-based flame retardants, natural fibers, and PHA foams, targeting a global warming potential below 0.5 kg CO2-eq/m² and up to 20% life-cycle cost reduction. Guided by Do No Significant Harm (DNSH) and Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles, ECOFUNC unites leading industry and research partners in materials innovation. Beyond construction, the project will explore automotive applications and develop end-of-life recycling strategies, delivering 11 technologies and 10 value chains to demonstrate the technical and economic viability of PHAs for a sustainable future.
Presenter
Tommaso NIERI
Next Technology Tecnotessile, ITALY
Presenter's biography
I have a bachelor's degree in Biotechnology (Biomolecular curriculum) and a master's degree in Biotechnology for Environmental Management and Sustainable Agriculture. I am currently a Chemical Researcher at Next Technology Tecnotessile in R&D Chemical division.
Biographies and Short introductive summaries are supplied directly by presenters and are published here unedited
Co-authors:
D. Spinelli, Next Technology Tecnotessile, Prato, ITALY
I. Canesi, Next Technology Tecnotessile, Prato, ITALY
Session reference: 6CV.9.18