Raisio has secured €1.8 million in funding from Finnish innovation agency Business Finland to support a four-year research project aimed at developing functional fibre ingredients from grain processing side streams.

The company will invest a further €2.7 million into the initiative, bringing the total value of the project to €4.5 million.

The funding forms part of a wider Finnish consortium involving 16 companies and research organisations focused on advancing a sustainable bioeconomy.

Collectively, the consortium’s projects are valued at around €12 million and are linked to the international Global Center for Sustainable Bioproducts network, which connects universities, research institutes and industrial partners across Europe, North America and Asia.

Raisio’s project, titled 'Valorisation of Grain Sidestreams for Functional Fibres,' will focus on creating new ingredients and production technologies from grain-based side streams. The company aims to develop fibre ingredients that offer both nutritional and technological benefits while improving the resource efficiency of grain processing.

As part of the project, Raisio will scale up side-stream valorisation technologies at its new pilot plant at the Raisionkaari industrial site, completed earlier this year. The company will also evaluate commercial applications and market opportunities for the resulting ingredients.

The pilot plant has previously received support through NextGenerationEU funding administered by Business Finland.

Demand for fibre-rich and functional food ingredients has grown rapidly in recent years, driven by consumer interest in gut health, weight management and more sustainable nutrition options.

According to Raisio, the new funding represents a significant boost to its innovation activities. The company reported research and development expenditure of €3.2 million in 2025.

“Fibre is becoming one of the most important areas in future food innovation, and we see significant international potential in turning grain side streams into high-value ingredients,” said Reetta Andolin, chief innovation officer at Raisio. “This supports both our sustainability targets and our ambition to build new business.”

The consortium is coordinated by Åbo Akademi University and also includes University of Turku, Aalto University and 13 industry partners.

Raisio said the collaboration will strengthen its international innovation network and support its strategy of becoming a leading European innovator in fibre ingredients.

The project is scheduled to begin in 2026 and run until the end of 2029, supporting the long-term growth of the company’s New Business operations.