1. ENERGY IN THE PAPER PROCESS:
The objective of this theme is to study the opportunities of diminishing and/or better using energy in the paper processes, from pulp production to the paper itself and to the end product, while finding innovative solutions to reduce manufacturing costs.

2. PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES ENVIRONMENT:
The objective is to control the microbiological equilibrium in water circuits (slime production, presence of bacteria), to preserve paper qualities, with system closure, and to fulfil analytical requirements in the field of hygiene and health.

3. SLUDGE AND WASTE TREATMENT MANAGEMENT:
Waste disposal is of major concern for the paper industry due to the important amount to be dispose and the related overall cost of solid waste disposal. The Pulp and paper industry is also facing more and more restrictive legislation for solid waste disposal, particularly landfilling. Therefore, knowledge of the quantities and characteristics of paper industry waste is essential to define adapted treatment and disposal practices. Reduction at source and the reuse of lost raw materials within the process are attractive solutions to be developed. The paper industry is also concerned by the end of life of the product itself : tests on paper packaging biodegradation are conducted to assess their compliance with the requirements of the Packaging Directive.

4. WATER AND AIR QUALITY:
The objective of this theme is to assess the integration conditions of existing and new waste water treatment technologies into the pulp and papermaking processes. This assessment involves an exhaustive characterisation of waste water flows and their physico-chemical properties.