Norilia’s research projects

• It is particularly within the following areas that we have research activities: Exploring new bioprocesses and biotechnologies for refining residual animal raw materials.
• Developing and testing new applications for residual animal raw materials.
• Exploring and optimizing enzymatic hydrolysis processes and develop new ingredient at Bioco.
• Testing sensor and traceability technologies to measure quality and optimize processes, quality, and supply chains.
• Documenting health benefits and potential applications of our ingredients.

The purpose of SFI (Centre for Research- based Innovation) is to strengthen innovation through long-term collaboration between industry and research communities. These are large, long-term projects with an eight- year horizon and a broad range of participants from universities, research institutes, and industry partners. The goal is for the results to lead to innovations and value creation in the business sector.

SFI DigiFoods
The rapid pace of digital development presents major opportunities for the food industry. DigiFoods aims to develop smart optical sensors to measure and digitalize the quality and properties of raw materials during production. The project also explores opportunities for robotization combined with sensor technology, as well as the compilation and analysis of data from online measurements. In order to utilize data effectively for quality and product development, the data must be standardized and viewed in context.

Norilia’s interest in the project is to explore the use of sensor technology for online measurement and control of process parameters at our processing facility, Bioco. Bioco processes bone raw material and meat residues from chicken and turkey using enzymatic hydrolysis. The enzymes break down the raw material so that proteins, fats, and minerals can be fractioned. This is a complex process in which enzyme dosage, time, and temperature must be optimized and adjusted to the raw material in order to achieve a high protein content and the desired product quality. A typical characteristic of animal side streams is the large variability in raw material composition, which must be managed during processing. Online measurements make it possible to achieve higher yields through a more adapted production process and stable end-product quality.

The project is led by Nofima. Knowledge and technology from the project have also been used to explore opportunities in other parts of Norilia. For example, technology from NEO has been tested in wool classification.

SFI DigiFoods

SFI Industrial Biotechnology
New bioprocesses provide opportunities to further refine and utilize animal by-products. The SFI aims to develop and industrialize modern biotechnology and methods, such as the use of enzymes and microorganisms for producing ingredients for various higher-value applications.

The project provides us with knowledge used to optimize the processing line at Bioco. In addition, we explore the processing of other types of side streams and carry out techno-economic analyses (TEA) as a basis for establishing new processing lines. The project is developing new enzymes that are relevant for future use. These enzymes influence yield, as well as the sensory, technical, and bioactive properties of protein peptides. The project also explores other processing methods, such as fermentation, which are promising bioprocesses for the future utilization of animal side-streams.

The SFI brings together some of the leading research environments in the field: SINTEF, NMBU, NTNU, and NORCE.

SFI Industrial Biotechnology

IPN (Innovation Project in the Industry) aims to promote innovation and value creation in Norwegian businesses. Thes projects are often specifically targeted at concrete challenges that need to be solved within the company, or at the development of processes and new, innovative products or services. The goal is to explore, test, and generate knowledge as a basis for industrialization or commercialization.

DigiBeef
The aim of the project is to develop a future-oriented management system for cattle (including hides), based on sensor-driven data collection, efficient collaboration, analysis, and decision support throughout the entire value chain—from farmer to customer. Traceability and data capture, including information on product origin, quality, and product flow, provide a basis for analysis, improved planning, and the development of new customer concepts.

Norilia participates in the project to develop a new forecasting system and customer concepts based on a new traceability solution for hides. The project enables the development of more robust systems for continuous improvement and customer adaptation, as well as more efficient product flow and logistics.

The project is led by Nortura, with SINTEF and Animalia as research partners, and Norilia and Telespor as industry partners.

EnergonX
The aim of the project is to develop a new, sustainable, and commercially competitive field ration with nutritional components tailored to physically demanding activity. Among other things, the project will develop a meal solution that optimizes nutrient absorption and features an innovative packaging design adapted for both defense and civilian markets. The solutions will be verified through field studies conducted by the Norwegian Armed Forces.

Norilia contributes nutrient-rich ingredients with product properties that support performance and recovery, and participates in the project to explore their use as part of the developed meal solutions.

The project is led by EnergonX, with the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), NTNU, INB/INBT, NMBU, and Eggs Design as research partners, and Nortura, Rondane, and Norilia as industry partners.

These projects are led by research institutions and are largely focused on basic research carried out in collaboration with industry partners. The aim is to develop new knowledge and build research competence that society and industry need to address key societal challenges. As an industry partner, these projects provide us with valuable insight, forming a foundation for future value creation and industrial development. Below are some of the projects in which we participate.

Spectacoll
The aim of the project is to develop different types of protein peptides tailored for various applications. Today, the protein peptides from Bioco consist of a mixture of muscle peptides and collagen peptides. The muscle peptides have high nutritional value and achieve high scores in protein quality measurements. The collagen peptides have useful functional properties and can also be used as a collagen supplement. The project provides us with knowledge to develop tailored protein peptides for use in food and dietary supplement products where health and nutrition are key priorities.

The project is led by Nofima, with the University of Oslo, Bioco, and Hofseth BioCare as participants.

FlexBio
Traditional biorefineries, such as Bioco, are often designed to process a single type of raw material and produce a limited range of products. The concept behind flexible biorefineries is that they can be adapted to process different types of raw materials and produce a variety of products. Flexible biorefineries are designed to adapt to changes in raw material availability, market demand, and new technologies.

The main objective of the project is to develop flexible biorefinery technology to upgrade low-value side-streams from the food value chain into ingredients for animal feed. Norilia participates in the project to explore new opportunities for improved resource utilization and value creation from animal side-streams.

The FlexBio project is led by Nofima, with participants from several industries.

Arrival
Research into sustainable protein production using biotechnology is crucial to addressing the global societal challenge of ensuring sufficient access to high-quality protein for the world’s population. The Arrival project focuses on developing technology and processes for cellular agriculture.

Cellular agriculture (CellAg) employs two types of production systems: precision fermentation, which produces nutritional ingredients using recombinant protein technology, and cultivated meat, which involves growing animal cells and subsequently producing meat proteins. The project explores the potential for using side-streams from the Norwegian dairy, meat, and egg industries as growth media for cultivating microorganisms and cells for food protein production. We participate in the project to gain knowledge about cellular agriculture and to assess opportunities for using animal side-streams in these production systems.

The Arrival project is led by Nofima, with participants from SINTEF Industry, Volda University College, RURALIS, the Norwegian Board of Technology, TINE, Norilia, and Nortura.

MetaboTwin
The project aims to investigate how different protein sources and the timing of meals throughout the day affect metabolic responses. Metabolic responses vary from person to person, and there is often no one-size-fits-all solution. Using data from controlled studies and artificial intelligence, a digital twin of human metabolism will be developed. The goal is to predict individual responses to different meals and contribute to the development of healthier and more sustainable food. As part of the project, two clinical studies on ingredients will be conducted.

The project is led by Wageningen University & Research.

Norilia participates in networks to gain knowledge and build alliances.

The Life Science Cluster
The network works to develop sustainable solutions, improve resource utilization, and unlock potential within the field of life sciences. The network has 120 members across life sciences, spanning areas such as health, technology, resource utilization, academia, public authorities, agriculture, and the marine sector.

NCE Heidner Biocluster
The network is Norway’s leading industry cluster within the green bioeconomy and sustainable food production. The cluster consists of more than 50 members working in research, innovation, and commercialization in areas such as breeding, biotechnology, feed development, and the utilization of side-streams. The cluster aims to serve as a showcase for sustainable solutions and to strengthen the international competitiveness of its member companies.