On 20 March 2026, the BIO-SUSHY project was represented at the “Safe and Sustainable by Design – Networking of Horizon Europe Projects” event, held at the Albert Borschette Conference Centre (Brussels).
Organised with the support of the European Commission and the European Health and Digital Executive Agency, the event brought together Horizon Europe projects focused on Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) chemicals and materials. The main goal was to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and identify opportunities for joint action.
BIO-SUSHY represented in SSbD project session
BIO-SUSHY coordinator Mireille Poelman (Materia Nova) presented the project during a session dedicated to SSbD initiatives in materials and coatings.
Sister projects such as PROPLANET and TORNADO also participated in this session.
Following the presentations, participants engaged in interactive discussions on collaboration, data sharing, and future SSbD implementation strategies.
BIO-SUSHY presence across parallel sessions
The event featured parallel breakout sessions, enabling deeper discussions across different SSbD domains.
BIO-SUSHY maintained strong representation throughout the event: Steffi Friedrichs (Acumenist) and Thomas Exner (SevenPastNine) participated in additional sessions, representing MACRAME and PINK project, respectively.
Cluster collaboration: meeting BLUECOAT
During the event, there was an in-person meeting between BIO-SUSHY and partner projects from the Circular, Sustainable, and Biobased Cluster.
Mireille Poelman met with Zhenyu Zhang, coordinator of the BLUECOAT project.
Together with BIO4COAT and SUPREME, we are part of the Circular, Sustainable and Biobased Coatings Cluster, working on next-generation sustainable coating solutions.
A shared priority: making SSbD knowledge accessible
While final conclusions are still being consolidated, one key message emerged from the discussions:
The importance of making data, models, methods, and best practices available in a structured, accessible, and easily findable manner for the wider community.
This aligns with BIO-SUSHY’s goal to support the practical implementation of SSbD by developing innovative materials and contributing to knowledge sharing and standardisation at the EU level.
Looking ahead
The SSbD Networking Event confirmed the strong momentum among Horizon Europe projects working toward safer and more sustainable chemicals and materials.
BIO-SUSHY remains committed to:
- strengthening collaboration with sister projects
- contributing to SSbD harmonisation efforts
- accelerating the market uptake of PFAS-free, bio-based coatings
