BioMatNet Item: FAIR - EUR 18304 EN: Green Chemical and Polymer Chain

FAIR
EUR 18304 EN: Green Chemical and Polymer Chain - Catalogue of Contracts

Contacts
Further Information

EUROPEAN COMMISSION
DIRECTORATE-GENERAL VI (Agriculture and Rural Development)
DIRECTORATE-GENERAL XII (Science, Research and Development)

FAIR

AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES
INCLUDING AGRO-INDUSTRY, FOOD-TECHNOLOGIES, FORESTRY, AQUACULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Fourth Framework Programme
1994-1998

GREEN CHEMICAL AND POLYMER CHAIN

Preface

Increasing global population, dwindling mineral reserves, environmental pollution from current non-sustainable practices, and finding alternative uses for agricultural land are some of the drivers in the current search for a more sustainable and environmentally neutral industrial economy. The FAIR programme contributes to this objective by funding research and development into the use for biological raw materials from crops trees and their wastes as renewable raw materials for the production of industrial products other than food. Areas 1 and 2 of the programme have the specific objectives of forging better links between the primary producers and the processing and end-use industries. This is done through the concept of integrated chains whereby the needs and specifications of the industry for market products are relayed to the primary or intermediate producer within the respective research projects.

This catalogue describes those projects funded under Area 1.2 "Green Chemicals and Polymers" and related projects from area 2 "Scale-Up" and Area 4.3 "Diversification of Agriculture". The product chains, which developed throughout the course of the programme include Bulk Chemicals (detergents, solvents, fillers, lubricants), Non-wood fibre composites (building materials, paper, geo-textiles), Bioplastics (packaging material and other consumer products), and Fine Chemicals (cosmetics, drugs, biocontrol agents).

These chains cover 80 diverse projects selected and funded from six calls over the course of the programme since 1995. The information provided gives administrative and contact details, the project objectives, and where available early project results. There is also a list of training grants awarded in this sector under FAIR, an index of keywords, project numbers, and participants, and an introduction, which gives an analysis of the sector. One of the encouraging results pertaining to these research projects is the high level of active industrial participation, which at 42% is the highest in any life sciences sector in the fourth framework programme, and includes some of Europe's leading chemical companies. This is an early indication that industry is willing to invest in a "greener future" and views the integrated chain approach as a correct way to approach it. It has perceived a consumer and market demand and feels that research such as this will help it overcome the substantial bottlenecks that still remain in making renewable resources truly competitive.

Contacts

Director (DG XII-E)

Bruno HANSEN / European Commission BELGIUM

Head of Unit (DG XII-E-2)

Liam BRESLIN / European Commission DG Research Theme 1 Key Action 1 / BELGIUM

Head of Unit (DGVI-FII.3)

Jacques BURTIN / European Commission DG VI-FII.3 / BELGIUM

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