Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the plastics industry are currently relatively under-sourced in terms of expertise and equipment to test and develop new products. To meet these needs, the projectputs knowledge and innovation at the disposal of SMEs in particular to give them an economic added value.Two technology centres offer complementary expertise to the companies in the French-Belgian border area, mainly in the plastics manufacturing, processing and recycling industries.At the scientific level, the objective of the research project is twofold. First, to identify the sensory defects of various polymers that appear at all stages, from preparation to the use phase. Secondly, to proposeinnovating improvements to minimise these defects.The studied materials will be applied to three sectors: packaging (cosmetic, food, medical and pharmaceutical), transport and construction. Achievements: End of project results:- The assessments made under the first action made it possible to identify in what phase degradation of polymers and sensory defects appear. The study of the impact of used processes confirmed that high temperatures, important shear rates, and sensitivity to hydrolysis account for thermal, mechanic and oxidative degradation, which may alter the polymers and release potentially odorous volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The competences and expertise of each partner have been essential: Armines developed and implemented the materials, while Certech analysed and identified what caused the sensory defects. - The action enabled an analysis of the impact of storage and use conditions on sensory defects, on the use properties in a broad sense, and more particularly on food security, in the case of food packaging material. - Innovating solutions were developed to reduce the odour of the materials, without a negative impact on the use properties of the studied products. - A technology watch was ensured throughout the project and the active cooperation with an international standardisation committee (ISO/TC146 –indoor air) enabled a new sensory standard to be drawn up. In addition, the partners constantly communicated on the project through the website, a doctoral thesis defence and contacts with more than 350 companies.