The primary objective is to utilize the unique properties of flax fibers for applications in textiles and other sectors, while integrating circular strategies for recycling and reuse.

Flax cultivation was once a cornerstone of the Baltic region’s textile heritage, but the rise of synthetic fibers led to its decline. Despite Europe’s continued leadership in flax production, large-scale use in this region has diminished. However, given the urgent need for sustainable material solutions, flax offers a compelling alternative to fossil-based fibers.

Beyond its renewability and biodegradability, flax boasts exceptional properties, it is hypoallergenic, resistant to pilling, aesthetically appealing as it ages, requires minimal water and chemicals, and exhibits high tensile strength. These advantages position flax as a viable replacement for synthetic fibers across various industries. Beyond textiles, flax fibers could serve as a sustainable alternative in packaging, single-use plastics, composites, insulation materials, ropes, and fishing nets, all of which contribute significantly to microplastic pollution in the Baltic Sea. Additionally, flax cultivation requires less fertilizer, helping to prevent excess nitrogen and phosphorus runoff into the sea. It has also been studied for its ability to absorb heavy metals from contaminated soil and act as a carbon sink, contributing to climate change mitigation.

This project, therefore, aims to explore how flax fibers can be effectively utilized as a replacement for fossil-based fibers, not only in textiles but across a wider range of applications. Another key focus is circularity, investigating how flax fibers can be recycled and repurposed to maximize their potential. We aim to assess whether recycled flax fibers can be used in the same way as virgin fibers or if new applications can be developed to close the loop.