Research centre PAN Sweden has received SEK 40 million (€3.54 million) in funding from the Swedish government research council Formas, allowing it to continue its work on plant-based proteins.
PAN Sweden is coordinated by Örebro University and studies how plant-based protein sources can be processed into tasty and nutritious products. The centre aims to make Sweden a world leader in sustainably produced plant-based protein foods.
Agricultural cooperative Lantmännen is one of the key actors involved in PAN Sweden, and contributes its extensive knowledge of plant-based proteins. The new grant from Formas will allow the centre to continue its research for another four years.
“It is important to have a high level of commitment among companies and the public sector in order to be able to effectively transition to more sustainable and healthy consumption,” said Robert Brummer, professor and coordinator of the PAN Sweden consortium. “Lantmännen contributes with unique knowledge and experience regarding plant-based protein sources and dietary fiber.
“That particular combination is our focus because we believe it is the key to achieving health and taste benefits. With the support of an additional SEK 40 million from Formas, we can continue our successful collaboration on research and innovation where health and sustainability are taken equally seriously.”
“Great ambitions”
The news comes just weeks after Lantmännen announced a SEK 1.2 billion (€105 million) investment in a new plant-based protein facility in Lidköping, Sweden. The plant will produce 7,000 tonnes of pea and faba protein isolates annually for use in plant-based foods.
Last year, Lantmännen invested SEK 800 million (€70.87 million) into a new biorefinery designed to extract wheat protein. The company also produces oat protein concentrates, and has partnered with major sustainable protein initiatives such as SLU Grogrund in Sweden and GreenPlantFood in Norway.
“We have great ambitions in plant-based proteins, which we show in our own research and development, our facilities in Lidköping, Norrköping, and Kimstad, and collaborations – where PAN Sweden is an example,” said Lars-Gunnar Edh, Executive Vice President of Lantmännen Energy Sector. “This is a clear way for us to develop foods that ultimately contribute to a sustainable, healthier diet and increased well-being.”
