Projects & Partnerships
Backed by Innovate UK, the Henry Royce Institute and EIT Food, our research portfolio spans functional ingredients, sustainable materials, animal nutrition and international food security.
Bioactive compounds for food, supplements and wellbeing
SPINLife
Developing polyphenol-rich food ingredients from agri-food by-products with the potency to benefit intestinal barrier function, gut inflammation and gut microbiota. Processing via fermentation, drying and encapsulation for addition to widely consumed foods.
FORTYeast
Yeast-based biofortification using fruit and vegetable side streams to create protein-rich ingredients enriched with essential vitamins and minerals. Targeting nutritionally vulnerable populations.
AdvanceYeastProt
Developing a low-emission whole-cut alternative protein product from yeast grown on vegetable side streams. High-quality protein with all essential amino acids, enriched with vitamins B12 and D.
MAFFIN
Using green microalgae (Chlorella) as a sustainable source of carotenoids for functional foods targeting chronic inflammation and age-related disease in elderly populations.
NutriNano
Developing novel delivery systems for omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids with improved bioaccessibility for functional foods and supplements.
Fibre, packaging and bio-based alternatives to plastics
OptiFib
Characterisation and optimisation of highly fibrillated cellulose fibre blends from agri-food by-products for sustainable packaging via the FibreForce™ process.
Brew-Up
Integrated biorefinery for brewers’ spent grain — separating protein, fibre and lignin into three high-value product streams from the UK’s 500,000+ tonnes of annual BSG.
PhycoFib
Feasibility of using green microalgae as a sustainable source of cellulose fibre for the paper industry via mechanical cavitation of Chlorella strains.
HiFib
The foundational project demonstrating cost-effective production of highly fibrillated cellulose fibres from agri-food by-products. Pilot-scale trials at DS Smith’s commercial paper mill confirmed increased paper strength.
Sustainable feed supplements from by-products
SNAPP
Polyphenol-supplemented pig feed across the full lifespan through controlled feeding trials at the University of Leeds National Pig Centre and commercial farms.
PolyPig
Polyphenol-rich piglet feed supplements from beetroot by-products to replace banned zinc oxide. Green extraction to separate polyphenols from fibre.
Low-carbon solutions for global food challenges
SolarSaver2
Sustainable low-carbon off-grid drying solutions for sub-Saharan agricultural producers. Creating highly nutritious products and reducing food waste through low-temperature processing deployable at farm scale.
Working with leading universities and industry partners
