Innovative Startup Introduces Groundbreaking Technology to Utilize Bones for Food Production

SuperGround, a startup company based in Finland, has developed a pioneering technology with the aim of revolutionising food production by utilising bones to create a protein-rich edible paste. This innovative approach not only reduces waste and harmful pollution but also has the potential to address the growing issue of food insecurity.

Santtu Vekkeli, the founder and chief inventor of SuperGround, has highlighted bones as an excellent source of material for food, containing similar amounts of protein and fat as minced meat. The company has successfully developed a proprietary mixture that can be incorporated into fish and poultry products, increasing their protein content to between 20% and 40%. This paste can be used to produce a variety of food items such as nuggets, kebabs, cold cuts, and patties, resulting in a 70% increase in food yield in certain products.

Despite initial concerns about the concept, Vekkeli reassured that the technology does not compromise the texture, taste, or smell of the food. He emphasised that recipe modifications are a normal practice in the food industry as long as the products maintain their sensory and nutritional characteristics.

In addition to reducing waste, SuperGround’s technology offers a sustainable solution to repurpose parts of the animal that would typically end up in landfills, thereby reducing the environmental impact of the food industry. Vekkeli highlighted the environmental toll of the modern animal-based food system, which contributes to heat-trapping pollution and is linked to deforestation.

A study published in Nature revealed that animal-based foods produce twice as much heat-trapping pollution as plant-based items, highlighting the detrimental impact of the current food production system on the environment. By reducing the consumption of meat and repurposing animal parts, the technology not only reduces pollution but also opens up land for alternative types of farming, addressing the issue of food insecurity and potentially providing a surplus of nutritious food.

Established in 2021, SuperGround has been conducting tests on its bone-based paste for the past three years and is now seeking to expand its reach by collaborating with global food production companies. The company’s innovative technology aligns with the growing interest in sustainable food production and addresses the need to develop alternative food sources to ensure food security for the global population.

The introduction of SuperGround’s technology signifies a significant advancement in the food industry and presents a promising solution to address environmental concerns and food insecurity. As the company looks to partner with global food production companies, its innovative approach has the potential to make a substantial impact on the future of food production and sustainability.