Tree to Feed - Circular production of sustainable feed

Important results from the project

The project largely met its objectives from the start. A continuous fermentation pilot was successfully integrated with the pulp mill and provided robust production of fungal biomass for feed testing. Fish trials and analyses of digestibility, undesirable substances (including dioxins, PFAS) and sensory analysis were carried out without negative effects. The project also provided synergies and commercial tests that enabled a new end product that was launched in the Swedish market.

Expected long term effects

The project is expected to reduce technical risk and accelerate the scale-up of mushroom protein from forest industry side streams. In the longer term, the process can be established at more industries and create a new circular value chain. For aquaculture, this means increased security of supply and reduced import dependence on protein sources, with potential for lower environmental and climate impact and a strengthened Swedish bioeconomy.

Approach and implementation

The project was implemented as an industrial demonstration where a continuous pilot was designed, built and operated integrated with a pulp mill to produce fungi from forest side streams. In parallel, we conducted fish trials and analyses of digestibility, undesirable substances and sensory as well as process tests to optimize feed use. The work was conducted iteratively with ongoing troubleshooting and data collection in pilot operation, followed by tests in feed and commercial environments.