The overall objective of the SusBind project is to produce and test, in an industrially relevant environment (TRL5), bio-based binders as alternative to formaldehyde based binder currently used in the production of wood-based panel board (abbreviated as wood board). A lot has been done on this subject, but so far a bio-based binder able to compete at industrial scale with incumbent chemicals, does not exist. The reason to believe on the success of this project is backed: on the selection of the partners, which involves actors across the whole supply chain, and their extensive technological background developed during the last years. The SusBind project intends to build on these success factors by: i. Selecting more adequate feedstocks from existing European Bio-refineries; ii. Applying new and greener conversion technologies for the production of binders and intermediates, including novel epoxidizing enzymes (peroxygenases) developed in the project IndOx (FP7-KBBE; www.indoxproject.eu ); iii. Producing and validating these new bio-based binders with leading wood board manufacturers for two product types: P2 Particle Board (PB) and Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) and; iv. Involving the world leading brand owner, producer and retailer of mass market furniture. The SusBind resulting binder system will prove better performance in PB and MDF in terms of 50 - 75% reduction of formaldehyde emissions than current fossil- and formaldehyde-based wood boards. The active participation of industry and a consumer brand owner secures post-project scale up into existing plants. On the basis of cost analyses performed, an economically viable and better performing precursor will increase the marketability of bio-based furniture products concerned. The results of SusBind will not only benefit consumer health and help mitigate climate change, but also strengthen the European furniture industry by providing a cost efficient, bio-based alternative to formaldehyde-based binders.

Food safety violations at the consumer stage are common and nearly 40% of food-borne outbreaks are occurring in the domestic setting. The overall goal of SafeConsumE is to provide effective, science-based and sustainable strategies for food authorities, market actors and the research community to help consumers mitigate risk, thus reducing the health burden from food-borne illness in Europe. SafeconsumE will suggest, develop and evaluate: 1) Tools, technologies and products (e.g. sensors, apps, hygiene concepts, kitchen utensils) that stimulate safe practices; 2) Communication strategies that effectively stimulate adoption and market uptake of safer practices and tools/technologies; 3) Education programs increasing skills and knowledge aiding teenagers to handle food safely; 4) Dynamic, sustainable and inclusive policy models that stimulates and support national and EU level initiatives. To achieve high implementation and innovation power, scientists will work together with consumers, authorities and different market actors under a new trans-disciplinary and multi-actor approach based on Theories of Practices combined with Design-driven innovation. Covering the five most important hazards causing food borne disease, consumer behavior across Europe will be described using a risk-based methodology and utilizing the strengths of high-throughput surveys together with in-depth qualitative methodology. New strategies will be developed taking into account their impact on risk reduction, documented consumer barriers for change and sustainability. SafeConsumE will support transformation towards a more healthy population and cost-efficacy by reduced foodborne illness, and a more sustainable community by less food-waste and environmentally friendly solutions.