Utilising side streams from fungi-based food production for functional additives in textile finishing

Purpose and goal

This project aims to develop scalable extraction procedures for biomolecules from side-streams originating from mycoprotein food production. It is aimed to exploit these compounds in innovative biobased additives for textile functionalisation. The goal is to confirm the hypothesis on lab-scale and develop conceptual products that are to be applied on relevant textile materials. Feasibility on industrial scale and competitiveness must display a positive outlook. Chemical production should be approved by assessments for life cycle impact, chemical risks, and circularity.

Expected effects and result

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.

Planned approach and implementation

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.