Yamini Satyawali

The FLAXIT project (High-value products from flaxseed through innovative biocatalytic technologies) has officially concluded, marking a significant leap forward in the sustainable valorisation of flaxseed. Launched in early 2023 and funded by FWO, this ambitious initiative united VITO, ILVO, KdG, and the University of Antwerp in a shared mission: to unlock the full potential of flaxseed through a zero-waste biorefinery approach. 

Flaxseed is to this day a residual product of the fiber flax growing and processing industry in Belgium that is only used for low end technical applications. With the FLAXIT project, VITO wants to offer flax growers and processors the opportunity to maximise the value of their flaxseed. In doing so, VITO aims for applications in cosmetics, personal care and food products. 

To reduce its environmental and climate impact and also to have a more efficient, economic and safe production, the European chemical industry must reinvent itself. One way of doing this is to switch to new process technologies. The enzymatic route is a promising track, in which biological catalysts are used in the production of chemicals for, among others, the pharmaceutical, food, agro and cosmetics industries. Within the European INCITE project, VITO works together with chemical company Oleon on the route to industrial applications.