The European Polysaccharide Network

Network of Excellence POLYSACCHARIDES– Multifunctional Materials of the future Polysaccharides such as cellulose and starch are fully biodegradable and renewable raw materials produced by nature on a large scale (1000 times of the amount of synthetic polymers). To organize and integrate the European scientific community in order to promote the use of these materials as industry feedstocks for the manufacturing of advanced multifunctional materials is the mission of the European Polysaccharide Network (EPNOE). Applications of these materials pertain to the pulp and paper industries, fibers, textiles, construction and packaging materials as well as to hygiene and medical fields. The network is composed of 17 European research groups from 9 different countries. Starting from May 1, 2005 the network will be funded by the European Commission with a total of 5 M€ for a period of 4 years within the thematic priority “Nanotechnologies and Nanosciences-Multifunctional Materials, Processes and Production” (Contract No.500375-1).