Libre Partners (IMAGE) University of Limerick Caption Researchers from across Europe, led by University of Limerick (UL), Ireland, have begun a project to produce carbon fibre from forestry by-products. The LIBRE project, led by Dr Maurice Collins of the Stokes Labs, Bernal Institute at UL, aims to create carbon fibre materials in a cost-effective and more environmentally friendly way, by producing them from a naturally derived wood product called lignin. According to Dr Collins, the project partners will create new innovative materials and manufacturing processes capable of lowering the cost of end products by 30 per cent while cutting in half the CO2 footprint of carbon fibre production. Pictured are Dr Maurice Collins, UL, leader of the Libre project (right) with representatives from Libre project partners C TECH, Dralon, Centexbel, University of Bolton, Fraunhofer, Institute of Textile Chemistry and Chemical Fibers, Informationsgemeinschaft zur Feststellung der Verbreitung von Werbeträgern (IVW), Chalmers, Tecnaro, Eirecomposites and Centro Ricerche Fiat. Credit Brian Gavin, Press 22. Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.