Sweden
September 26, 2024
Lantmännen is one of the actors in the research centre PAN Sweden, which today has received additional funding from Formas for research on plant-based proteins, which means that the project will run until 2028. This is a few weeks after Lantmännen started construction of the largest plant of its kind – an investment of SEK 1.2 billion in a plant for plant-based proteins in Lidköping.
PAN Sweden is an interdisciplinary national research centre coordinated by Örebro University that studies how different plant-based protein sources can be processed into tasty, nutritious and appreciated products with positive effects on gut health, metabolic and mental health. Consumer behavior is another important aspect that is studied. The goal of the center is to build up knowledge and expertise for Sweden to become a world leader in innovation of sustainably produced foods with plant-based protein.
"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. 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," says Robert Brummer, professor and coordinator of the PAN Sweden consortium.
Today's announcement of a new grant from Formas means that PAN Sweden will continue the work for another four years.
"We look forward to continuing and deepening the collaboration with academia, interest groups and the business community on this important issue. 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. This is a clear way for us to develop foods that ultimately contribute to a sustainable, healthier diet and increased well-being," says Lars-Gunnar Edh, Executive Vice President, Lantmännen Energy Sector.
In addition to PAN Sweden, Lantmännen is an active partner in several major research initiatives on green proteins, including SLU Grogrund in Sweden and GreenPlantFood in Norway. The Lantmännen Research Foundation also has a number of ongoing projects in the area where the focus is on protein from wheat, oats, peas and faba beans.
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