Knot wood and bark contain highly specific extractives, which provide protection to wood cells and tissues. The potential of knots and barks has not been fully recognized as a source of bioactive compounds. The use of naturally occurring bioactive compounds with minimal adverse side effects is very desirable. The aim of this proposal is to investigate the use knots and barks wastes from the pulp and paper industry in multipurpose applications. Wood extractives from selected European trees will be isolated and analysed. The bioactivity of these compounds will be tested as ant microbial agents and their health promoting and preservative potential will be investigated. Removal of knots and barks from the pulp and paper processing line has several added benefits: reduction of chemical consumption and associated costs, improvement of wastes management and creation of new industrial opportunities in terms of innovation and jobs.