Project background

Finland had abundant bio-based raw materials and side streams that are underused in health and wellbeing products. Companies need tested, safe, and domestic ingredients. The project addressed this need by developing research-based solutions in close cooperation with businesses.

Partners: HAMK Bio (coordinator), University of Helsinki (Department of Pharmaceutic Chemistry and Technology) and Laurea University of Applied Sciences.

The FarKos project was funded by the European Union, the Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council and the Regional Council of Häme.

Project objectives

• To provide tested and safe Finnish bio-based ingredients for companies to support product development.
• To develop practical methods for producing and processing raw materials.
• To strengthen expertise, networks, and bio-based business in the Kanta-Häme and Uusimaa regions.

Project activities

During the project we

• mapped Finnish side streams and plant, fungal, and algal raw materials
• produced biomass using bioreactors and vertical farming
• analysed the chemical and physical properties of the materials
• tested ingredients in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations
• reviewed regulatory and safety requirements
• piloted methods together with companies
• organised workshops and seminars to support networking.