Side streams from mycoprotein production to functional textiles

The project is contributing to the biobased economy

A sustainable future entails a fundamental shift from how goods for basic needs are sourced and produced today. This project aims to create new value chains for industrial raw materials derived from side streams of food production.  As a result, innovative chemical products can be produced using ingredients that are biobased, locally sourced, non-seasonal, and contribute to minimal land-use. 

The project starts with sampling from side-streams generated by different process batches in mycoprotein food production. 

Results from sample analysis will aim focus on the largest potential. A scalable extraction process will be developed while analysing relevant extract properties. Based on positive results from these stages, conceptual products will be developed and applied on textile materials. Evaluation by standard testing of material properties will generate feedback for process improvements. At the end feasibility and sustainability assessments will be performed.

The importance of the project

It is important to replace fossil plastics and persistent polymers that are used in the textile industry today. This project focusses on this goal by researching biobased, biodegradable, and circular alternatives. Moreover, it is important to invest in national supply chains to produce innovative products. This allows for reduced environmental impact and benefits local businesses.  

Expected Results

The project offers increased collaboration opportunities between medium-sized enterprises and aims to create local and future-proof supply chains that will be unique in Sweden. The project will provide underpinning for scaling up extraction processes that yield biomolecules derived from new types of side-streams generated by state-of-the-art food production by fungi. Once purified, these will meet an existing demand in industry for use in biobased products that are innovative replacements for polluting, fossil-based plastics and polymers extensively used today.