Fazer’s xylitol factory wins the Finnish Chemical Society’s circular economy innovation award
Fazer is The Food Experience Company, and by investing in innovations and foodtech, Fazer strengthens its focus on the sustainable food solutions of the future. Fazer's strategic innovations were recognised by the Finnish Chemical Society on 28 April 2021, when Fazer's xylitol factory, which produces xylitol from oat hulls, received the society's Circular Economy Innovation Award.
Innovations supporting circular economy represent the future
Foodtech plays an important role in Fazer’s transformation into a modern, innovative fast-moving consumer goods company in the evolving food industry. Fazer develops sustainable food solutions that can increase the well-being of both people and the environment.
The award of the Finnish Chemical Society is given to a company or community for an innovative business idea related to the chemical aspects of circular economy. The perpetual circular economy innovation award granted biennially cannot be applied for.
The reasons for granting the award to Fazer state that Fazer’s innovation based on a Finnish invention is an excellent example of a circular economy solution that creates new technology. The patented method is unique and has significant potential for internationalisation and export based on the circular economy. Fazer's xylitol factory already employs more than 30 people.
“It’s great to strengthen Finnish know-how and bring the production of xylitol back to Finland. Research and product development have played a key role throughout the project. The process is unique in that the raw material used in it - oat hulls - has not previously been used in the commercial production of xylitol. We believe that xylitol made from a plant-based Nordic raw material will spark interest globally. Thanks to their purity and high quality, Nordic oats have a superior reputation around the world”, says Anna Nicol, VP, Xylitol Venture, from Fazer Lifestyle Foods.
The global demand for xylitol is growing rapidly. It is estimated that approximately 90% of the production of the xylitol factory will be exported to be used in a variety of businesses such as food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Fazer first to industrially produce xylitol from oat hulls
Originally a Finnish innovation, the industrial production of xylitol began in Finland in 1975.
Fazer’s xylitol is made from oat hulls, a side stream of the oat milling process.
The xylitol factory is located next to Fazer’s oat mill in Lahti, Finland, and is the world’s first fully backwards integrated xylitol factory, using state-of-the-art production technology
The plant will produce the biomass feedstock for an associated, third party CHP plant that will supply renewable heat and power to Fazer’s site in Lahti, thus reducing the climate footprint of its operations.
The construction of the xylitol factory has progressed according to plan and test runs are underway. The actual production of xylitol will start in the summer 2021. The xylitol factory further strengthens Fazer’s position as a forerunner in innovative plant-based products.
Finland to pioneer in responsible food solutions and the circular economy
Fazer’s strong investment in circular economy innovations has been more widely acknowledged. Earlier in April, Fazer's xylitol factory received a circular economy award from the Circwaste project. “Circwaste – Towards Circular Economy in Finland” is a seven-year EU LIFE IP project that promotes the efficient use of material flows, waste prevention and material recycling. Leif Schulman, Director General of the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), chose the winner from among four finalists.
In November 2020, Fazer's xylitol factory won the Star Act 2020 (Tähtiteko) competition organised by the Finnish Food and Drink Industries’ Federation. The most high-profile competition in the Finnish food and drink industry gave recognition to the most impressive food act of the year.
Further information:
Anna Nicol, Vice President of the Xylitol Venture, anna.nicol@fazer.com , tel. +358 50 383 7735
Taina-Lampela Helin, Communications Manager, Fazer Group, taina.lampela-helin@fazer.com, tel. +358 40 668 4600
Sanna Mikkola, Communications, Finnish Chemical Society, sanna.mikkola@kemianseura.fi , tel. +358 400 241 104
The Fazer media phone is open Mon–Fri from 8 am to 4 pm, tel. +358 40 668 2998, media@fazer.com
The Finnish Chemical Society (SKS) is an independent scientific society. It emphasises the importance of chemistry in society, operates on international chemistry forums and promotes the networking of science, education, industry and other social actors. The biennial circular economy innovation award was presented to Fazer at the ChemBio Finland virtual pre-event of the Chemistry Days on 28 April 2021 at Messukeskus Helsinki.
Fazer Group
Fazer, The Food Experience Company, enables people to enjoy the best moments of their day. In 1891, the young Karl Fazer opened his first café with a mission to make food with a purpose – and a passion to create moments of joy for all the people around him. Shaping the next tastes, traditions and food experiences, Fazer’s vision is Towards Perfect Days. Fazer wants people to experience the Northern Magic it creates and builds on its strong heritage, consumer first approach and innovations to create the sustainable food solutions of the future. The Group focuses on fast-moving consumer goods, operates in eight countries and exports to around 40 countries. In 2020, Fazer Group had net sales of 1.1 billion euros and almost 8,500 employees. Fazer’s operations comply with ethical principles that are based on the Group’s values and the UN Global Compact.
Northern Magic. Made Real.
