Transforming wood with chemistry Tree bark, wood and knots contain precious chemical compounds extractable with water or ethanol. Yet, very often bark and knots are used to produce energy, although bark could also serve as horticultural mulch. The EXTRAFOR_EST project (2017–2021) paves the way for a future sector in which chemistry and forestry will join forces. In this project limited to major forest species of Eastern France, researchers evaluated the quantity of bark, knots, sawdust and other by-products, their respective extractable chemical compounds and highlighted their potential industrial uses. To name a few promising ones: for cosmetics, food supplements, feed supplements, biocontrol compounds, and crop bio-stimulants. A modelling of the different segments of innovative forest-chemical chains, from forest to chemistry markets, was also included. 4. Francis Colin / FARE Joint Research Unit / ECODIV Division INRAE Centre of Grand Est-Nancy Transforming complex materials 02. Biocontrol adjective referring to plant protection methods that use living organisms or natural substances to prevent or reduce the damage caused by insect pests, weeds, or pathogens. Bio-stimulants inert substances or microorganisms used to improve plant functioning, soil functioning, or soil-plant interactions. Horticultural mulch a layer of protective material (e.g., shavings, straw, or bark) that is applied to soils. Among its many functions are weed control, protection against soil erosion and extreme weather, and the preservation of soil moisture and nitrogen content.