Green Bioactives, a company specialising in the development of natural plant-based wellness ingredients, has announced the receipt of a grant that will fund an 18-month research and development initiative. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the production and initial scale-up of natural products derived from plant cell culture. The funding will facilitate the company’s efforts to supply clients in the cosmetic and personal care sectors, as stated by Chris Meaney, the chief business officer of Green Bioactives, in an interview with NutraIngredients.

The company's existing production capabilities have faced limitations; however, the grant now permits Green Bioactives to implement a gradual scale-up of its bioreactor systems, starting with units of 50 litres. Meaney mentioned, “Over the next two years—particularly during the 18-month span of this grant—we plan to scale up our production.” He further elaborated that opting for a modular approach, rather than transitioning directly to larger reactors, helps the company mitigate risks associated with significant leaps in production capacity. This method allows them to operate several 50-litre systems in parallel, enabling quicker market entry and customer service.

A core motivation behind Green Bioactives' venture into plant cell culture technology is sustainability. Meaney indicated that this technology serves as a viable alternative to traditional harvesting methods, which can often cause environmental harm and reduce biodiversity. Recent findings from a Life Cycle Impact Analysis (LCIA) conducted by Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen emphasised the ecological advantages of plant cell technology, revealing potential energy savings of up to 93.8% and a reduction in global warming impact by as much as 98.8% compared to conventional harvesting.

Meaney also highlighted specific benefits regarding land use. For instance, licorice, which is a vital ingredient for Green Bioactives, can only be harvested commercially every five years. The implementation of plant cell culture systems holds the promise of freeing land for food production. “That’s why these technologies are so compelling,” he stressed, noting the dual advantages of commercial potential and sustainability.

The initiative has gained attention within the broader context of the UK’s economy, as noted by Scottish Enterprise. There is a growing consumer inclination toward products manufactured within the UK, as observed by Meaney during various global events. He remarked, “Many buyers view UK products as prestigious, and even when they can source similar goods more cheaply from places like India, they often choose UK-made products because they value trust and quality.”

Furthermore, the current economic climate and the ongoing discussions regarding tariffs have made the decision-making process for importers and exporters more critical. Meaney pointed out that businesses are now required to make more informed choices in a fluctuating trade environment, saying, “I think it’s still early days, and there’s still a lot of uncertainty around both imports and exports, however, you see businesses are having to make educated decisions about where to go next.”

Green Bioactives plans to maintain its research and development operations in Edinburgh. While there may be considerations for future manufacturing expansions, the company currently believes it is adequately positioned to serve international markets from its Scottish base.