Abstract Lignin is one of the most abundant renewable raw materials available on earth. Despite its unique characteristics as a natural product with multiple chemical and biophysical functionalities, it is largely under-exploited because of its image as low quality and low added value material. Also a complete lack of any organised professional co-ordination and communication tools explicitly dedicated to lignin market promotion is one of the major drawbacks for the further development of commercial applications for lignin. As remedy, the thematic multi-partner network called EUROLIGNIN has been started in August 2002 till July 2005 with financial support of the European Commission. The major goal of this project is accelerated introduction of sustainable, high-value, lignin-based raw materials derived from leftovers in pulp and paper, and biomass processes to industry and consumers. This will be accomplished by compilation of fundamental information packages on existing and future lignin production and utilisation to create defined actions in research projects and technology activities that very precisely and with direct economic implications show the way to increased use of lignin. EUROLIGNIN consists of 26 participants including lignin producers, research centres, universities and lignin end users from 16 European countries resulting in a well-balanced consortium.