European Hub on New Challenges in the Field of Essential Oils Erasmus Project

Project Title

European Hub on New Challenges in the Field of Essential Oils

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : Knowledge Alliances for higher education

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2018

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics:

Project Summary

Plants produce secondary metabolites, such as essential oils (EOs). According to CBI, the demand for EOs is going to grow. EOs are employed in food & beverage, cosmetics & toiletries, aromatherapy, home and health care, and others. EOs are the main ingredient in some pest – control products and some over – the – counter medications. They’re used in the food industry because of their preservative potency against food – borne pathogens thanks to their antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Increasing consumer disposable incomes and rapid expansion of food & beverage industries are expected to contribute to the demand for natural fragrances & flavors produced using EOs. The added health benefits of EOs are expected to trigger their demand in pharmaceutical applications as well. Rising demand for aromatic cleaning agents and bio-based personal care products is expected to stimulate demand for home care and personal care products. The increased use of fragrances and flavors owing to the expansion of end-use industries in emerging markets. Most of the exotic EOs are produced from rare crops and plants which are either difficult to harvest or are a very species in nature. Restrictions on harvesting and cultivation of such trees & plants will probably add to the raw material scarcity. EOHUB will bring together technological companies, HEIs and research organizations in order to provide a training and support path for young scientists toward entrepreneurship, innovation and conservation in the field of EOs. It will merge scientific knowledge on EOs, practical examples and case studies of successful companies providing services within EOs, business models/case studies of business that trade and value natural products, connecting bio-applications of EOs, involving research centres and companies. The main challenges will be the growing demand, new markets, new bio-applications, biodiversity preservation and bio-economy integration.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 830173 Eur

Project Coordinator

UNIVERSIDAD POLITECNICA DE MADRID & Country: ES

Project Partners

• BELGAGRI SA
• BUCKINGHAMSHIRE NEW UNIVERSITY
• EYEBB SYSTEMS LIMITED
• AGROINDUSTRIAL KIMITEC SL
• UNIVERSITE DE LIEGE
• SZENT ISTVAN UNIVERSITY
• AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS