For the development of new biodegradable packaging materials and decision support tools, expectations, requirements and knowledge of different disciplines need to be harmonized and integrated. Within the EU funded EcoBioCAP project a systematic approach was applied. Packaging development brief was developed, technical and consumer survey was carried out. Specifications are used as a starting point for carrying out the research tasks in a harmonized way. For a systematic approach for setting the targets of the research and considering technical requirements and consumers needs, the use of these management tools is essential in the early phase of the research and development projects.