Tree to Feed - Circular production of sustainable feed

Purpose and goal:

The purpose of the Tree-To-Feed project is to test and demonstrate a circular production method whereby the side-stream "red liquor" from the paper industry is used as raw material to grow fungal cell protein "single cell protein". The fungal cell protein is then evaluated as a potential feed ingredient in fish feed. The goal is to create the conditions for a full-scale production of locally produced, sustainable animal feed through a circular production method.

Expected results and effects:

In the case of a successful demonstration, the risk of implementing a full-scale production is significantly reduced. The effects include a successful demonstration of a circular production that acts as a blueprint for other consortium collaborations within the circular and bio-based economy, in Sweden and abroad. A successful full-scale implementation of the process is also deemed to contribute to reduced environmental impacts, including reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, reduced land use and water use among others.

Approach and implementation:

The project will primarily include scaling up of the fermentation process to produce the fungal cell protein and the establishment of a demonstration plant at the pulp mill. Another important part, following the aforementioned, is the production of sufficient fungal cell protein for commercial production of fish feed and rainbow trout, for end-consumer testing.

Implementation is made possible by industry and academic actors covering the entire value chain, from red liquor, to fungal cell protein, to fish farming.