Blue Biorefining: a holistic solution for increasing resource efficiency in seafood industry (BlueBio)
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB - Chalmers tekniska högskola AB Inst f Life sciences |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 5 604 536 |
| Project duration | November 2021 - October 2025 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Circular and biobased economy |
| Call | Increased resource efficiency for a circular industry |
Important results from the project
BlueBio successfully achieved all its defined objectives in developing and demonstrating a biorefinery technology for fish processing side streams at pilot scale. It also led to the establishment of a spin-out company, which has taken over the project results for further development and valorising local seafood side streams to food. Additional key outcomes include a filed patent, several follow-up projects funded by national agencies, the training of students, and multiple publications.
Expected long term effects
BlueBio lays the foundation for a circular and resource-efficient seafood sector by converting underutilized side streams into high-value protein, oil, and collagen. The technology strengthens sustainability and competitiveness in the blue bioeconomy, proven by AquaFood’s commercialization success, and contributes to increased local food production, national food security, and system resilience.
Approach and implementation
The project demonstrated the biorefinery technology in multiple pilot trials at different locations, validating the results. Two products were successfully produced at pilot scale from different fish species and sidestreams. A third product will be demonstrated in 2026. Shellfish showed low efficiency and needs further study, but protein from salmon side streams has proven highly attractive in the market.