Upcycling of byproducts from rapeseed oil production: climate smart proteins and more.
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Lunds universitet - Institutionen för livsmedelsteknik |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 700 000 |
| Project duration | December 2016 - September 2017 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
Our project idea was to develop a concept for climate-smart use of the entire under-utilized protein-rich press residue from rapeseed oil production and to ensure profitability from both the market and the environmental perspective. We have shown that it is possible to extract rapeseed proteins under relevant industrial and hygienic conditions. Our meta-analysis shows that recovery of protein from rapeseed press cake encompasses a market value increase of 20-60 times, and the CO2-e is about 200 times lower than that of beef.
Expected long term effects
We have adjusted the extraction process to better utilize the inherent properties of gently treated rapeseed proteins. Through this project, the expertise and knowledge about climate-smart protein options have increased, and cooperation between LU / Gunnarshög / SwePharm has been strengthened through new initiatives like BioInnovation. We have also linked an end-user to the team who has the ability to take potential products to the market, and has valuable insights into consumer behavior.
Approach and implementation
Furthermore, we have an ongoing MSc project conducting an LCA analysis that will answer if resource efficiency and climate impact increase by using the rapeseed in this new way. Following our analysis, we are convinced that this new recovery process creates a sufficient financial and environmental incentive for implementation.