Chemistry Agriculture

The future of flaxseed: research reveals new paths for zero-waste, high-value applications

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.

News Yamini Satyawali 26 May 2025

Harnessing the power of flaxseed

Flaxseed, a high-potential crop with underutilized by-products in Belgium and across Europe, has been at the heart of FLAXIT’s research. Over the past two years, the project has delivered breakthrough results across several domains:

Agronomic insights for farmers
Extensive field trials involving 51 flax varieties provided valuable data on oil content, fiber yield, and harvest logistics. These insights are crucial for local farmers, helping to optimize cultivation and strengthen future supply chains.
Green chemistry for high-value ingredients
Researchers investigated various oil extraction techniques and their effect on oil yield and quality. Green, solvent-free enzymatic processes were developed to convert the extracted flaxseed oil into products tailored for several applications. In parallel, microbial conversion of flax-derived oils into long-chain dicarboxylic acids was explored, paving the way for biobased building blocks.
Plant-based protein for the future of food
The project successfully produced protein concentrates from defatted flaxseed press cake. These proteins excelled in high-moisture extrusion trials, demonstrating their potential as clean-label ingredients for plant-based meat alternatives and other vegetarian or vegan foods.
Ensuring safety and functionality
Comprehensive testing was done to evaluate food safety and functional properties, confirming the potential of flaxseed protein and protein hydrolysates as techno-functional ingredients for vegetarian and vegan products.

A Launchpad for innovation and collaboration

What began as a niche research idea has blossomed into a vibrant platform for innovation. The FLAXIT project has already sparked new research collaborations, industrial partnerships, and follow-up projects at the European level, cementing flaxseed’s role in the bioeconomy and supporting the EU Green Deal objectives.