RISE – Research Institutes of Sweden
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Ökad livsmedelsproduktion i Sverige – sidoströmmar blir nya produkter
No full textI detta Faktablad summeras några av de resultat som ett projekt finansierat inom EIP-AGRI (Europeiskt innovationsprojekt) Ökad produktion av livsmedel i Sverige – tillvarata sidoströmmar för innovativa produkter (projekt 2022-2445) har kommit fram till. Projektet har utforskat möjligheter att använda sidoströmmar; broccoliblad och grönkålsstjälk/stam, i olika steg från primärproduktion till nya livsmedelsingredienser och marknad för dessa. Målet har varit att ta fram lagringsstabila ”våta” (dvs inte torkade) ingredienser med god kvalitet, som kan användas som ingredienser i olika maträtter. Idag används inte stora delar av broccoli- och grönkålsplantor, trots att de är näringsrika, utan lämnas att plöjas ned i fält eller sorteras bort efter skörd. Metoder för skördehantering, skördeekonomi, lämpliga processtekniker, livscykelanalys, mikrobiologisk analys och riskbedömning, analys av näringsämnen och bioaktiva ämnen, sensorik och marknadsaspekter har undersökts för dessa sidoströmmar
Accounting for carbon capture solvent cost and energy demand in the energy system
No full textTechnical carbon dioxide removal through bioenergy with carbon capture or direct air capture (DAC) plays a role in virtually all climate mitigation scenarios. Both of these technologies rely on the use of chemical solvents or sorbents in order to capture CO2. Lately, concerns have surfaced about the cost and energy implications of producing solvents and sorbents at scale. Here, we show that the production of chemical sorbents could have significant implications on system cost, energy use and material use depending on how much they are consumed. Among the three chemical sorbents investigated, namely monoethanolamine (MEA) for post-combustion carbon capture, potassium hydroxide (KOH) for liquid DAC and polyethylenimine-silica (PEI) for solid sorbent DAC, we found that solid sorbent production for DAC represents the highest uncertainties for the system. At the high range of solid sorbent consumption, total energy system cost increased by up to 6.5%, while effects for other options were small to negligible. Scale-up of material production capacities was also substantial for MEA and PEI. While PEI has the advantage of requiring a lower sorbent regeneration temperature than KOH, the potential production cost may outweigh these benefits. There is thus a trade-off between the advantages and the additional cost uncertainty regarding sorbents. Implications of sorbent consumption for carbon capture technologies should be considered more thoroughly in scenarios relying on solid sorbent DAC.Funding from the SwedishEnergy Agency, Project Number 2021-00067</p
Towards Credible Simulators: A Validation Methodology for Safety-Critical Virtual Testing
No full textRecent advances in high-performance graphics and physics engines (e.g., Unreal Engine) have popularized simulators for safety-critical system testing, yet credible validation is essential for reliable outcomes. This paper introduces a novel methodology for validating simulation toolchains, combining principles from SAE and UNECE frameworks with validation cycles to accommodate evolving safety-critical requirements. We demonstrate this approach through a case study evaluating the color fidelity of an Unreal Engine-based perception toolchain for safety-critical applications such as human and obstacle detection. Comparative tests of real and simulated camera outputs show that Unreal Engine’s camera model achieves "Delta E" < 4 under controlled lighting, closely matching the reference colors, but complex real-world lighting and seasonal variations can introduce perceivable color discrepancies. Our iterative methodology enables progressive refinements (reducing "Delta E" variations) and establishes critical traceability links for assessors related to evolving system requirements, toolchain modifications, as well as validation evidence. The resulting framework provides assessors with a verifiable chain of evidence from initial discrepancies to compliance, bridging the gap between adaptive development and certification needs
The role of cheese matrix in health, in comparison with plant-based alternatives
No full textCheese is nutritious, rich in high quality proteins, vitamins (e.g., A, B12), and minerals (e.g., calcium, phosphorus) but also relatively high in saturated fats och salt. However, despite the high levels of saturated fats och salt, cheese consumption has been linked to reduced cardiovascular disease risk and shown not to increase LDL cholesterol or blood pressure. These unexpected findings are often attributed to the cheese matrix, which includes the combined effect of all nutrients and non-nutrients in cheese, how they are organized in different structures and the physical cheese structure. With increased knowledge on the role of the cheese matrix on health, there is growing interest in understanding expected health effects when replacing cheese with plant-based alternatives, and the role of their matrix. The aim of this report is to summarize the current knowledge on the role of the cheese matrix in the health effects of cheese, in comparison with plant-based cheese alternatives. Several matrix factors may contribute to positive cardiometabolic effects of cheese, e.g., unique fatty acids, fat globule organization, casein micelle like structures, bioactive peptides and amino acids, the bioaccessibility of calcium, and vitamin K. Several cheese matrix factors are also suggested to benefit muscle- and bone health, e.g., the content of high-quality protein, favourable calcium-to-phosphorus ratio and content of vitamin K. The favourable ratio of calcium to phosphorus is also positive for dental health. Other positive effects of cheese on dental health are attributed to casein, low carbohydrate content (lactose which is less caries-inducing than other carbohydrates) and the saliva-stimulating effect of chewing cheese. No study has analyzed the food matrix effect on plant-based cheese alternatives. Therefore, the comparisons to cheese can so far only be inferred from differences in nutrient composition, processing, and raw materials between plant-based and dairy cheese. Specific components in plant-based alternatives, such as anti-nutrients and the fortification of vitamins and minerals may potentially impact their health effect. In conclusion, current evidence indicates that cheese, due to its unique matrix, may confer health benefits superior to those of plant-based alternatives, particularly with respect to cardiometabolic, dental, and musculoskeletal health outcomes. However, it remains uncertain whether assumptions derived from current knowledge of individual nutrients and ingredients accurately reflect the true health effects of plant-based cheese alternatives. Future research may further develop our understanding of how certain processes, such as fermentation, affect the cheese matrix and reveal unexpected health properties and matrix effects of plant-based cheese alternatives
Från parcell till kommersiell – samarbete för uppskalning av svenska proteingrödor
No full textFrom plot to commercial - collaboration for an upscaling of Swedish protein crops To address the challenges of climate change and global population growth, we are exploring sustainable alternatives to current protein production systems. One such alternative is to increase the production of alternative protein crops such as lentils, sweet lupins, and chickpeas. Currently, the cultivation of these crops for food purposes is mostly small-scale in Sweden, and there is a need to expand both cultivation and processing at a larger scale. This project examined the measures required to establish full-scale production of alternative protein crops in Sweden, with the goal of meeting the growing demand for Swedish plant-based proteins. The project delivered recommendations for cultivation and drying to support the scaling up of lentils, sweet lupins, and chickpeas. A group of researchers, farmers, advisors, and food producers collaborated to develop several parts of the value chain
New descriptors of connectivity-bottleneck effects improve understanding and prediction of diffusive transport in pore geometries
No full textBottlenecks can drastically reduce transport through porous materials. Previous work has concentrated on constriction-bottlenecks caused by variations in pore size. Here we study connectivity-bottlenecks, which are caused by many paths in the pore network passing through the same small part of the material. We develop three new connectivity descriptors, geodesic channel-strength, pore size-channels, and the closed pore-tortuosity that capture these effects. Five sets of computer-generated pore geometries with a wide variation in characteristics were used to evaluate the effect bottlenecks have on diffusive transport. We show that low connectivity as measured by the new bottleneck descriptors, can decrease diffusive transport drastically, but that in these data sets constriction-bottlenecks had a smaller effect. We also show that path-lengths and connectivity-bottlenecks can be highly correlated and adjustments using theoretical models of diffusive transport can help separate the effects. We provide a freely available software MIST that can be used to measure connectivity-bottleneck effects.This work is funded by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF grant AM13-0066), the Knut and Alice Wallenberg foundation (KAW grant 20012.0067), and the Swedish Research Council (grant 2016-04187).</p
Reviving Food Resources : Enabling Upcycled Food Production in Sweden
No full textUpcycled foods, products made from edible food residues that would otherwise have been discarded, offer an approach to tackling food waste, climate impact, and resource inefficiency. These foods provide both environmental and economic value by converting surplus into new, nutritious products. The project 'Reviving Food Resources', carried out in collaboration between RISE, the University of Borås, and Axfood, aimed to explore how upcycled foods can be more effectively integrated into the Swedish food supply chain. Through a stakeholder-driven approach and systematic needs assessment, the project identified barriers, opportunities, and actionable insights for implementation. The project shows that there is technical potential and motivation to develop upcycled foods, but also a need for systematic support to address practical, commercial and structural barriers. In addition to technical feasibility, business and collaboration models need to be adapted to local conditions and the characteristics of the raw materials. The project resulted in • A framework/working method for identifying barriers and challenges. • An initial analysis of Swedish food companies' views on upcycling • Recommendations for further wor
Compartment Explosions Induced by Batteries
No full textLithium-ion batteries are increasingly used in various applications, from household devices to electric vehicles, as part of the green transition. However, their application poses unique risks, including thermal runaway, which can lead to the release of flammable and toxic gases, fires, and explosions. Notable accidents, such as the explosion on the hybrid ferry MF Ytterøyningen and the battery storage facility in McMicken, highlight the need for a thorough understanding of these risks. This literature study investigates the explosion hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries in compartments where flammable gases can accumulate. It examines how battery parameters, ventilation, and suppression systems influence explosion risks and compares computational methods for safety modeling. The focus is on lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt-oxide (NMC) and lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, which dominate today’s market. Key parameters for evaluating explosion risks include the lower flammability limit (LFL), laminar burning velocity, explosion pressure, and the rate of pressure increase. These are influenced by battery design, state of charge (SoC), cell format, chemistry, and aging. The study reveals that LFP cells, despite their higher thermal stability, produce battery vent gases with higher hydrogen and hydrocarbon concentrations, resulting in a lower LFL and potentially higher explosion risks. Mitigation strategies such as mechanical ventilation and deflagration panels are discussed, highlighting their effectiveness in different scenarios. Various fire suppression systems are evaluated for their cooling abilities and effectiveness in preventing thermal propagation and re-ignition. The study identifies a significant gap in validated models that capture the dynamics from gas dispersion to explosions, emphasizing the need for high-resolution models developed alongside experimental validation. Future research should focus on explosion risks in large, confined spaces like maritime vehicle decks and enclosed parking garages, assessing the number of vehicles required to pose a hazard in case of explosions.This work was financed by Stiftelsen Sveriges Sjömanhus (project number FoU23-0o21) and IF Skadeförsäkring AB</p
LCA in Mining - Legal and International Outlook 2025
No full textThis report is the result of a project: “LCA in Mining – Legal and International Outlook”, which has been financed as a strategic project by the Swedish Innovation Program Swedish Mining Innovation. The work has been performed by RISE during the spring 2025. Mainly through literature studies, a selection of EU’s current and proposed legislations has been reviewed regarding their relevance for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the mining and extraction industry. The project has also included an international outlook to find out what is going on in this area in countries outside the EU. 19 EU legislations and initiatives and 7 countries outside the EU have been studied. The conclusions which may be drawn are: • There is a lot going on in the area of legislation within the EU which involve LCA and the mining industry, and it is so much that this report may only be seen as a snapshot taken in the spring 2025. • When it comes to legislations, the EU has the pole position and other countries follow what happens here. • There are several legislations which have a strong connection to LCA and the mining industry and two examples are: The Critical Raw Material Act (CRMA) and the Battery Regulation. • There are legislations which don’t specifically mention LCA but require results and information which may be obtained through an LCA. Words which may be used are carbon footprint, environmental impact or due diligence. • To lessen the administrative burden of the necessary LCA-work to be done by companies, it would be good if the requirements for how the LCA shall be performed may be harmonised between legislations. The report is written in both Swedish and English.Rapporten är både på svenska och engelska. The report is written both in Swedish and English.</p
Advancing Sustainability Through Industrial Symbiosis : A Technoeconomic Approach Using Material Flow Cost Accounting and Cost–Benefit Analysis
No full textIndustrial symbiosis (IS) involves transferring waste materials and/or energy flows between stakeholders to enhance resource efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. The success of these transactions depends on supply–demand matching, technical feasibility of waste integration into industrial processes, economic savings, and compliance with legal and environmental regulations. This paper presents a methodology for the technoeconomic assessment of IS projects, integrating material flow cost accounting (MFCA) and cost–benefit analysis (CBA) incorporating CAPEX and OPEX considerations. MFCA, traditionally used to identify hidden costs from inefficiencies, is adapted here to assess resource utilisation across industry networks. The methodology is applied to two real-world demo cases: a novel fertiliser production process in Escombreras (Spain), where IS focuses on process optimisation and by-product valorisation, and an IS process design in Frövi (Sweden), where CO2 and residual energy flows are exchanged between industrial sectors. The results demonstrate the potential of MFCA-CBA integration to enhance decision making in IS implementation. In Spain, process optimisation led to a 50% reduction in operating costs, whereas, in Sweden, CO2 reutilisation resulted in a 30% increase in resource efficiency. These findings highlight the economic and environmental benefits of IS and provide insights into cost allocation and pricing strategies.This research received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement no. 958337, CORALIS project.</p