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Finnish food manufacturer Raisio has secured EUR 1.8 million in funding from Business Finland for a four-year research project dedicated to developing functional fibre ingredients from grain processing side streams.

The total value of the project will reach EUR 4.5 million, with Raisio investing an additional EUR 2.7 million of its own capital. The initiative will begin during 2026 and run until the end of 2029, supporting the long-term growth of the company’s New Business operations.

The funding represents a major expansion of the group's research capabilities. For context, Raisio’s total research and development expenses stood at EUR 3.2 million in fiscal year 2025.

Consortium and Global Network

The funding was granted as part of a Finnish consortium comprising 16 companies and research organisations working to promote a sustainable bioeconomy. Coordinated by Åbo Akademi University, the consortium also includes the University of Turku, Aalto University, and 13 industry partners.

The combined value of the consortium’s projects is approximately EUR 12 million.

These initiatives form part of the international Global Center for Sustainable Bioproducts (GCSB) network. This global alliance brings together universities, research institutes, and industrial partners from Europe, North America, and Asia to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable bioeconomy based on renewable resources. Within this network, Raisio will contribute its expertise in converting agricultural side streams into healthy food ingredients.

Valorisation of Grain Side Streams

The research project, titled Valorisation of Grain Sidestreams for Functional Fibres, focuses on developing new ingredients and production technologies from grain-based by-products.

The primary objectives of the project include:

• Nutritional and Technical Development: Creating fibre ingredients that deliver clear nutritional and functional benefits for food manufacturing.

• Resource Efficiency: Optimising the raw material utilisation of grain processing side streams to reduce waste.

• Commercial Validation: Evaluating and validating potential market applications for the newly developed ingredients.

The project will involve scaling up side stream valorisation technologies at Raisio's new pilot plant, which was completed in 2026 at the Raisionkaari industrial site. The construction of this facility was also supported by NextGenerationEU funding from Business Finland.

Research and Development Investment

Fibre-rich and functional food ingredients remain among the fastest-growing categories in global food innovation, driven by sustained commercial interest in gut health, weight management, and sustainable nutrition.

According to Reetta Andolin, Chief Innovation Officer at Raisio, fibre is emerging as a critical area for future food innovation. She noted that the company sees significant international potential in converting grain side streams into high-value ingredients, a strategy that aligns with Raisio's sustainability targets and its ambition to build new business segments.

The four-year project is expected to strengthen Raisio’s long-term innovation capabilities, supporting its strategic goal of becoming a leading European innovator in the functional fibre sector.