A new European research project coordinated in Naples will develop safer, more sustainable alternatives to conventional polyurethanes for construction and aircraft seating. The project, called ReLION, is coordinated by CeSMA at the University of Naples Federico II and has received a European Union contribution of 5 million euros.

According to the EU CORDIS record, ReLION runs under grant agreement 101271563, with a total cost of 5,231,212.50 euros and an official duration from 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2029.

Nine partners in six countries

The consortium brings together nine partners from six European countries, according to reporting by Il Mattino Economia. The full partner list has not been published in the sources consulted.

Italian participants named in the reporting include CNR-ISM, Geven S.p.A., and INAIL as an associated partner. The CORDIS record does not provide a breakdown of how the funding is divided among participants.

What the research will develop

ReLION focuses on non-isocyanate polyurethanes, covering both flexible and rigid materials, as well as water-based polyurethane aerogels.

The stated applications are building insulation and aircraft seating. The project aims to replace isocyanates with safer alternatives, including bio-based options, and to assess safety, performance, recycling and reuse across the life cycle.

No experimental results, completed prototypes or measured material performance have been documented yet in the sources consulted.

Launch event in Naples

The launch event is scheduled in Naples on 9 November 2026 at the Complesso dei SS. Marcellino e Festo, in Largo San Marcellino 10. Promotional material for the launch was shared by Iniziativa in an Instagram post on 3 November 2026; the extracted content does not confirm further details of the agenda.

ReLION in brief

  • EU contribution: 5,000,000 euros
  • Total cost: 5,231,212.50 euros
  • Duration: 1 November 2026 – 31 October 2029
  • Coordination: CeSMA, University of Naples Federico II
  • Consortium: nine partners from six European countries
  • Materials: non-isocyanate polyurethanes and water-based polyurethane aerogels
  • Planned uses: building insulation and aircraft seating
  • Italian partners named: CNR-ISM, Geven S.p.A., INAIL as associated partner