3DPSTeF: Contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry through additive manufacturing

On October 2 and 3, 2025, the official launch of the European 3DP STeF (3D Printing for Sustainable Textiles and Fabrics) project took place, with EuraMaterials participating as a partner. For this official launch, 16 partners from across Europe gathered in Chania, Greece, to present their work plans and exchange ideas to shape the future Master’s program, with a strong focus on the circular economy, sustainable materials, and the future of textiles and fashion. This is an ambitious four-year initiative funded under the Digital Europe Program.

The background to the 3DP-STeF project

Textiles are at the heart of Europe’s sustainability challenge. By 2030, textiles on the European market must be sustainable, repairable, recyclable, and produced responsibly.

The fashion and textile industries face pressing challenges: waste, carbon emissions, and supply chain vulnerabilities. The 3DP STeF project offers a promising path to reinventing how clothing and fabrics are designed, produced, and taught. By aligning education with sustainability and advanced manufacturing, a new generation of professionals will be ready to lead a greener digital transition in fashion.

The 3DP STeF project aims to integrate additive manufacturing (also known as “3D printing”) into the textile and fashion industries more broadly.

Training is at the heart of this mission, and participants will be offered an overview of green digital technologies, combining expertise in textiles, AI, data analysis, AR/VR, machine learning, and advanced manufacturing.

In particular, the consortium will work to:

• Strengthening the technicalcapabilities and skills of European SMEs and the manufacturing workforce
• Develop a customized master’s program for students and faculty, integrating 3D printing, sustainability, textiles, and fashion design
• Develop micro-certification modules for professionals in the textile and industrial sectors
• Promote the use of sustainable raw materials and support Europe’s dual transition toward a greener and more digital economy

Through innovation and education, we can transform the fashion industry’s environmental footprint and pave the way for a truly circular future!

Who are the partners?

The project is led by the University of Technology of Crete (Greece) and brings together 16 partners from across Europe, including a wide range of universities, training centers, NGOs, and innovation hubs in Spain, Italy, Poland, Ukraine, Greece, France, Ireland, and Portugal. On the French side, two partners are involved: EuraMaterials and THREE O’CLOCK (a Paris-based design agency).

What are the specific deliverables of the project?

• A new master's program combining sustainable 3D printing with textile design.
• Micro-certifications for professionals and vocational education instructors to develop key skills
• Educational and training materials that incorporate the principles of the circular economy throughout the supply chain
• A community of practice connecting industry, academia, and technology.

What is EuraMaterials’ role in the project?
At every stage of the project, EuraMaterials will mobilize its network of additive manufacturing experts, textile manufacturers, and technical centers to share their real-world experience and ensure that the training programs developed by the partners are perfectly tailored to the needs of businesses. Real-world tests will be conducted at select companies to validate the format and content of the training programs that will be delivered across Europe.

To follow project updates:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/3dp-stef-project
EuraMaterials Contact: Lionel BUISSIERES