Problem: Problem at the social level:  1. increased sugar consumption: According to a study by the WHO in 2018, Austrians consume an average of 107 grams of sugar per day, which is far above the recommended amount of 50 grams. The study also shows that sugar consumption in Austria is high compared to other European countries. For example, the average sugar consumption in Germany is 103.9 grams per day, in Italy 91.2 grams and in France 101.6 grams.  This high sugar consumption can lead to a number of health problems, including type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.  - Type 2 diabetes: According to the Austrian Diabetes Society, about 600,000 people in Austria have diabetes, with 90-95% of them suffering from type 2 diabetes. High sugar consumption is a known risk factor for type 2 diabetes.    - Obesity: According to a study by Statistik Austria, about 21% of the population in Austria is obese, which corresponds to about 1.8 million people. High sugar consumption can be a trigger for obesity.   - Cardiovascular diseases: For example, a study conducted in the US shows that people who eat 17-21% added sugar have a 38% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than people who eat only 8% added sugar.    2. health costs: The health effects of excessive sugar consumption lead to significant costs for the health system. According to a 2017 study by Gesundheit Österreich GmbH, the direct costs of overweight and obesity in Austria amounted to 1.5 billion euros per year. A large part of these costs are due to diseases associated with high sugar consumption.      Problem from the point of view of companies (food producers):  1. taste and texture: sugar contributes not only to the sweetness but also to the texture and mouthfeel of many foods. Many sugar substitutes cannot replicate the taste of sugar exactly and often have an undesirable aftertaste. This can affect consumer acceptance of the final product.   2. production: switching from the production of products containing sugar, to products sweetened with a sweetener or with a sugar substitute, often incurs high investment costs associated with the conversion of production facilities.  3. development costs: the development of a sugar substitute formulation that can be substituted 1:1 with sugar involves significant development costs.  4. nutritional profile: while sugar is known to contribute to health problems such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, some sugar substitutes have their own health concerns. For example, some sugar alcohols can cause digestive problems if consumed in excess.  5. stability at high temperatures: some sugar substitutes are not stable at high temperatures, which may limit their use in certain applications such as baked goods or cooking processes.  6. regulatory hurdles: The approval and use of sugar substitutes is regulated differently in different countries. This can lead to challenges in marketing products globally. Novell Foods often have a very difficult time getting approval within the EU. 

Solution: The main goal of the LIMAX2 project is to develop a sugar substitute that integrates seamlessly into the production processes of small regional businesses as well as medium-sized and large companies. This substitute is intended to replace sugar in food both sensory and functionally in a 1:1 ratio without posing any health risks - a challenge that has not yet been met with the current state of technology. A central aspect of this development process is the consideration of regulatory requirements in order to avoid long-term regulatory hurdles.  Our approach is based on the development of a sugar substitute formulation. However, we address the deficits that exist in the sugar substitute industry. The food industry is looking for two main solutions: 1. to eliminate or mask the laxative effects of sugar alcohols, and 2. to provide a neutral, full-bodied aftertaste familiar from sucrose.  With LIMAX2, however, we are primarily addressing the needs of small regional food businesses. It is important for them to be able to offer their consumers a product that not only eliminates the health disadvantages of sucrose, but also does not introduce any ""new"" health concerns into their products. LIMAX2 is therefore based 100% on raw materials that have been scientifically proven not to cause any health problems.  PERFORMANCE DATA/TARGET SPECIFICATION/KPI: - Sweetening power: The sweetening power is 100% in relation to sucrose (sugar). - LIMAX2 can be used in quantities identical to sugar. - Intensity of sweetness: The course of the intensity curve of sweetness can be assumed to be almost identical to that of sucrose. - Calorie content: The maximum calorie content is 202.5 kcal / 100g. - Blood sugar level: The glycaemic index is below 8 and is therefore suitable for diabetics. (insulin resistance) - Taste: The neutral aftertaste is confirmed by an independent study with a usual test group size of 60 - 80 peopleat, with a success rate of at least 92%.  - Thermal stability: There is no molecular change at a temperature of 230 ºC for a duration of 60 minutes. - Solubility and hygroscopicity: Solubility is 200g/L water at 21ºC room temperature. - Laxative effects: There is no detectable binding of water in the intestine. - Shelf life: Shelf life is no less than that of sugar. - Regulatory hurdles: There is no designation as a ""novell food"". - Costs: The price for customers is a maximum of 9.99€ / kg, depending on the sales volume. - Scalability: Scalability is given by raw materials that even in higher quantities of more than 20 tonnes meet necessary quality standards required to achieve our product promises. (Raw materials independent of seasons and weather conditions). - Health compatibility: An independent study has found no negative health effects. - Environmental compatibility: The CO2 emissions of our production are below the emission value of 131:1 interchangeability with sugar: LIEMAX2 can be used directly in existing recipes and production processes without adjustments. Authentic taste: LIEMAX2 offers the sweet taste of sugar without undesirable off-flavours. Health benefits: With 50% fewer calories than sugar, anti-cariogenic properties and a low glycaemic index, LIEMAX2 offers health benefits. No laxative effects: Unlike many sugar alcohols, LIEMAX2 does not cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Sugar-free: Our formulation contains no sugar or sugar-containing ingredients, making it ideal for diabetics and other health-conscious consumers.

USP: 1:1 interchangeability with sugar: LIEMAX2 can be used directly in existing recipes and production processes without adjustments. Authentic taste: LIEMAX2 offers the sweet taste of sugar without undesirable off-flavours. Health benefits: With 50% fewer calories than sugar, anti-cariogenic properties and a low glycaemic index, LIEMAX2 offers health benefits. No laxative effects: Unlike many sugar alcohols, LIEMAX2 does not cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Sugar-free: Our formulation contains no sugar or sugar-containing ingredients, making it ideal for diabetics and other health-conscious consumers.