Final seminar 25th of October 2023 (online) >>

Aim

The project aimed to develop next-generation Swedish plant-based meat analogues, which are more nutritious and attractive than today's alternatives. The products will be the first to be based entirely on Swedish raw materials and the first to be completely processed and produced in Sweden.

Challanges

For today's plant-based meat analogues, there are a number of nutritional challenges. The bioavailability of iron and zinc is likely to be low, due to the presence of antinutritional factors, such as phytic acid. Oligosaccharides in legumes can cause abdominal pain and flatulence. The composition of amino acids is also limited to current processable proteins (soy, pea and gluten).

Some legumes used in today's meat analogues are grown in Sweden, but the protein extraction has so far not been carried out in Sweden, nor has the extrusion of the products.

Solution

In this project extrusion was used is combination with fermentation. Through fermentation, the nutritional quality can increase by reducing the content of antinutritional factors (e.g. phytic acid). The content of oligosaccharides can also be expected to decrease. Fermentation can also facilitate successful extrusion, by improving protein quality and reducing the starch content of protein concentrates. Another positive effect of fermentation may be a reduced off-flavour of extruded legume protein.

The project had an interdisciplinary approach and takes place in collaboration between industry and institute, which contributed expertise in food and materials science, food processing, nutrition, fermentation, simulation / modeling and product development.

How can food packages become more circular?

Flexible plastic packaging made of films, used for packaging groceries/food are especially challenging when it comes to recycling. This category of plastic packaging often presents multilayered film structures with different polymer materials in the separate layers. These combinations of different materials provide desirable properties such as effective barrier functions and wear-resistance, but they are incompatible with mechanical recycling of plastic film. A possible solution is to use monolaminate (MoL) films but it must be proved that the same properties are provided.

Colaboration within the value chain

The complete value chain with partners from brand owners, packaging producer with materials experts, collecting system, sorting plant owner, research for recyclability and plastic film producer have worked together to increase the circularity of high barrier flexible plastic packaging based on MoL films. Based on state of the art and a market survey, the most promising MoL films were tested to increase the sensitivity of the sorting process. The recyclability was verified in RISE testbed for plastics recycling.

The results, provided the scientific data that has been missing, and has be used to update the Manual for Plastics Recycling, provided by FTI (now Näringslivets Producentansvar) and Swedish Plastics Recycling, to guide package producers to choose recyclable alternatives.

Proved functionality and recyclability

The project included tests performed by packaging manufacturers to verify the processability of the MoL films in packaging production equipment.. Demonstration of the recyclability of the films were done by mechanical recycling, i.e. remelting and mixing with other recycled plastic film.

The recyclate, i.e. the recycled plastic was tested in the production at recipients of recycled material that manufactures a new product i.e. a new plastic film. Positive results have decreased the threshold for packaging manufacturers to re-design for increased recyclability and provide a sorting process adjusted for increased sorting degree and circularity of plastic film.

The project has been led by RISE together with Swedish Plastic Recycling, FTI AB and IVL Swedish Environmental Institute and was funded by Vinnova - within the framework of the initiative "Increased resource efficiency for a circular industry.

Take part of the results by looking at the presentations behind the links below.

The potential for increased use of food from the sea and lakes is enormous. Through collaboration between different parts of the food system, we can develop a diversified supply and demand for sustainable and healthy seafood. At RISE, we collaborate with the seafood industry and other actors along the entire value chain, from fishing/farming to the plate.

Our goal is to contribute to increased sustainable production and consumption of seafood. By collaborating with RISE, you gain access to our extensive cross-disciplinary expertise, enabling you to address critical questions such as:

• Which are the main hotspots of environmental impact in my supply chain?
• How do different raw materials affect the environmental impacts of my product?
• What decision support is needed to evaluate the sustainability of seafood production?
• How can I valorize an underutilized side stream from or into a seafood product?
• Is there a processing technique for my product that will better maintain nutritional value?
• Could seaweeds be a viable ingredient in my product (feed or food)?
• How do consumers perceive products with novel seafoods compared to conventional ones?

What RISE offers within sustainable seafood

Scientific reports and evaluations

RISE is an independent actor who provides scientific synopses, reports and evaluations to various stakeholders. Our standard sustainability offerings are anchored in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), complemented by customized broader environmental assessments, literature reviews and data compilations. Examples include analysis of seafood from a nutrition perspective, policy briefs aimed at different actors to promote sustainable seafood production and consumption in Sweden, and regular compilation on Swedish seafood consumption.

Innovation and business partnership

RISE acts as an innovation- and business partner for your company. We offer practical hands-on support in product development and process design, guided by sustainability and covering a wide range of important aspects – sensory evaluations, mapping of consumer attitudes, food safety, materials science, digitalization and more. Examples include developing novel fish feed ingredients that allows for sustainable aquaculture growth, which was done in the Salmonaid project.

A broad network

Where can I find resources and competences I need? RISE has a wide international and national network within the seafood value chain, with focus is on practical applications in society. Research applications often evolve in collaboration with different companies and organizations, always with sustainability in mind. Through our network, we can identify who is most suited to tackle a challenge and facilitate state-of-the-art collaborations for innovative and sustainable solutions. Examples of networks and test beds where RISE takes part are the Blue Food Centre and the Kristineberg Centre. We are also involved in international projects such as SIS Seafood and Feed Resources and FHF Oppdatert klimaregnskap for norsk havbruksnæring.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for any challenge related to seafood – large or small!

Read our reports within seafood:

Svensk sjömatskonsumtion 2023 (Axelsson & Hornborg 2025)

Driver svensk konsumtion av odlad lax ökat svenskt industrifiske i Östersjön? (Hornborg, Axelsson & Ziegler 2023)

Environmental and nutritional perspectives of algae (Hornborg m.fl. 2023)

Hållbarhetsutvärderingar av sjömat i Sverige - nyckelfrågor för mer behovsbaserade verktyg (Hornborg & Axelsson 2023)

Greenhouse gas emissions of rainbow trout fed conventional and novel feeds from Baltic region, evaluated using Life Cycle Assessment (Langeland, Ziegler & Wocken 2023)

Sverige och sjömaten - idag och imorgon. Kan vi samtidigt öka produktion, konsumtion och hållbarhet? (Ziegler, Axelsson & Hornborg 2023)

Miljöavtrycket av odlade blåmusslor jämfört med vanliga proteinkällor (Behaderovic & Ziegler 2020)

Background

It has long been known that the human body is colonized by a diversified microbiota consisting of bacteria, archaea and fungi. It has only recently been noticed that viruses are also included in this microbiota, which is very important for our health. Published studies also show that certain physiological effects previously attributed to colonizing bacteria instead stem directly from replicating viruses.

All in all, there seems to be a complex interplay between different viruses and the microorganisms on our skin in the construction and maintenance of our microbiota, which in turn plays a crucial role in both good health and disease. Therefore, hygiene products for professional and private use should be designed so that pathogenic viruses, bacteria and fungi are eliminated while the impact on the composition of the microbiota is limited.

Challenge

The use of quantitative PCR and large-scale sequencing over the past ten years has revolutionized our understanding of both individual pathogenic bacteria and the communities of microorganisms in which they are included. The degree of innovation in this area has been high and the knowledge and technology that has been developed is now used successfully in both the pharmaceutical and food industries. In comparison with bacteriology, the development of our understanding of viruses and how they interact with our body has been more modest during the same time period. However, as a result of a number of major investments and recent technical innovations, the development and degree of innovation in virology is forecast to increase sharply in the coming years.

Objectives

The primary objective of the project was to develop and adapt PCR technology and whole genome sequencing for mapping and quantification of viruses and microorganisms on hands, surfaces and soft materials. In addition, the total microbiota on the hands was mapped and quantified before and after application of two different hand wash / disinfection methods on subjects.

The GHG Protocol consists of several standards and guidelines that help companies measure, understand, and report their emissions in a consistent and transparent way. At its core is the classification of emissions into three categories, known as “scopes,” enabling a full view of climate impact, from agriculture-related emissions, to direct emissions from own operations, and indirect emissions across the value chain. This structure makes it easier to identify improvement areas, set relevant climate targets, and meet regulatory and customer requirements.

The recently launched LSRS complements this by providing a standardized method for calculating and reporting emissions from agriculture and land use.

• Scope 1 includes the company’s direct emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the organization. Examples include emissions from own factories/facilities, refrigerant leakage, company-owned trucks, and machinery.
• Scope 2 includes indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling.
• Scope 3 covers all other indirect emissions that occur in the company’s value chain, both upstream and downstream. For food companies, a large share of emissions arises in agriculture, which falls under purchased goods and services (upstream). It can also include emissions from transport, business travel, and waste from operations. These emissions are divided into 15 categories according to the GHG Protocol.

Scope 3 emissions often account for the largest share of a food company’s total climate impact, and are also the most complex to measure. That’s why it’s important to focus on the categories that are most relevant and material to your business. The result is a more comprehensive decision-making basis, helping you focus efforts where they will have the greatest impact.

Mapping emissions according to the GHG Protocol not only provides a clear picture of the current situation - it also builds a strong foundation for strategic decision-making, setting climate targets, and identifying effective actions. Such an analysis highlights the distribution of emissions, risks, and opportunities, while also meeting requirements from regulations, investors, and initiatives such as ESRS, VSME, SBTi, and CDP. It strengthens both your climate strategy and your company’s credibility - internally, externally, and across the entire value chain.

In need of support?

RISE supports you throughout the entire process - from mapping to reporting. We have specific experience helping small and medium-sized enterprises in their climate efforts and use tailored tools and methods, even for companies with limited resources. Get in touch, and we’ll design a solution that suits your needs.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Understanding and reducing the impact on biodiversity is an increasingly important part of companies' sustainability strategies – not only to meet new legal requirements and increased expectations from customers and investors, but also to identify business-related risks in the short and long term. At RISE, we work with the agricultural and food industry throughout the value chains, with the aim of supporting companies in mapping their impact on biodiversity – from farm to product level – and formulating targets and action plans. Furthermore, we foster innovation and development through applied research, often in partnership with universities, companies, and/or public sector.

What RISE offers

Business and innovation partner

RISE supports companies and the public sector to integrate biodiversity into their operations, in line with the global framework for biodiversity, the EU biodiversity strategy and directives such as CSRD/ESRS E4. Our work involves developing strategies and action plans, mapping dependencies and impacts on nature and ecosystems and setting science-based targets, for example according to frameworks such as Science Based Targets for Nature (SBTn). Furthermore, RISE can support companies in developing systems for data collection and indicators at farm level, as well as implementing new technologies that promote biodiversity, such as virtual fencing or digital insect monitoring. For companies that wish to do all or part of the work themselves, we offer expert support and coaching.

Our experts can for instance help you with:

• Mapping your impact on biodiversity and nature
• Developing biodiversity strategies and action plans
• Quantifying the biodiversity impact of food with life cycle analysis and/or ecological risk assessments
• Formulating science-based targets based on recognised frameworks
• Data collection, indicators and monitoring of biodiversity at farm level
• Identifying and managing conflicting goals between e.g. climate and biodiversity
• Testing and implementation of measures that promote biodiversity in the agricultural landscape, including sustainable regenerative farming methods
• Scientific evaluations, reports and literature reviews
• Technical solutions to promote grazing in natural pastures

Independent research partner

We conduct research in collaboration with universities, research institutes, companies and public sectors, and contribute to a better understanding of how society can meet biodiversity-related challenges. We coordinate and lead, or participate in, national and international applied research projects. Most of our research projects are based on identified needs in the business sector and are conducted in collaboration with partners from the industry. 

See examples of current and previous research projects at the bottom of the page. 

Interested in collaborating?

Contact us, and we’ll tailor a setup based on your needs and ambitions.

FAIRCHAIN ​​- Innovative technological, organizational, and social solutions for FAIRer dairy and fruit and vegetable value CHAINs - is a four-year EU-funded project with 22 partners from 8 different countries. The project started in November 2020 and ended in december 2024.

To address the shortcomings of long and short food value chains while capitalising on their advantages, FAIRCHAIN will focus on the development of intermediate food value chains. In FAIRCHAIN, the benefits of the long effective value chains are combined with the benefits of the short local value chains.

FAIRCHAIN will pilot, test, and demonstrate technological, social and/or organizational innovations with the potential to bridge existing gaps though 6 intermediate value chains:  

• Development of the wild berry business to boost local economy and social cohesion by using digital technology to facilitate berry picking and develop local business models (Sweden).
• Conception of a packaging machine for small and mid-size actors for small and medium-sized businesses for packaging fruit preparations / juices (Belgium).
• Production and distribution of dairy drinks based on co-products of cheese manufacturing (France).
• Improvement of traceability and information sharing in dairy production (Greece).
• Co-product valorisation and generation of additional added value for SMEs and regional stakeholders (Switzerland).
• Establishment of the Food Innovation Incubator (Austira)

Central to the project is that all stakeholders in the value chain participate in workshops based on a common methodology for the project. In Sweden, we work with stakeholders from different parts of the forest berries value chain. In this way, we create a common understanding of different interests that will form the basis for common goals and strategies to bring about real changes.

For the forest berries' value chain, research is underway on how to make it easier to find berries in the forest. SLU in Umeå is collaborating with RISE in this research, which will form the basis for the innovative app we aim to develop. RISE is also responsible for the work on the sustainability evaluations of all case studies in the project.

For more information about RISE work linked to forest berries please visit:  https://www.ri.se/en/finest