Transforming agri-food by‑products into high-value ingredients and sustainable materials
AgriFoodX biorefines agricultural and food processing waste streams into PhytoSource® branded functional ingredients and advanced materials for packaging, composites and beyond.
12+
Funded R&D projects
100M+
Tonnes EU agri-food waste p.a.
6+
University partnerships
One biorefinery platform, multiple value streams
We use proprietary biorefining processes to extract every ounce of value from agri-food by-products — turning waste into wealth across four interconnected markets.
Functional Ingredients
PhytoSource® shelf-stable dry powder ingredients — polyphenol-rich extracts, carotenoids and biofortified compounds for food, supplements and cosmetics.
Sustainable Materials
Highly fibrillated cellulose fibres (FibreForce™) for stronger recycled paper packaging, biocomposites and bio-based alternatives to plastics.
Animal Nutrition
Polyphenol-rich feed supplements from beetroot and other by-products — improving livestock gut health, growth rates and meat quality.
International Development
Low-carbon drying and processing solutions for sub-Saharan agricultural producers, reducing food waste and creating nutritious products.
PhytoSource®
Shelf-stable dry powder ingredients produced through our proprietary biorefining of agri-food by-products. From fermented beetroot polyphenols to spray-dried cantaloupe extracts.
PhytoSource® ingredients are designed for incorporation into functional foods, beverages, dietary supplements and cosmetics. Every product is derived from UK-sourced agricultural waste streams, supporting the circular bioeconomy while delivering scientifically validated bioactive compounds.
Applications include: functional foods and drinks, dietary supplements and capsules, gut health products, anti-inflammatory formulations, and biofortified food ingredients.
Driving the circular bioeconomy
Current and recent projects
Backed by Innovate UK, the Henry Royce Institute and EIT Food, our research portfolio spans functional ingredients, sustainable materials and international food security.
SPINLife
Polyphenol-rich food ingredients from agri-food by-products for improved gut health. Fermentation, encapsulation and addition to everyday foods.
FORTYeast
Yeast-based biofortification using fruit and vegetable side streams to create protein-rich, vitamin and mineral-enriched ingredients for functional foods.
OptiFib
Optimising blended highly fibrillated cellulose fibres from agri-food by-products for strengthening recycled paper packaging via the FibreForce™ process.
Brew-Up
Integrated biorefinery for brewers’ spent grain — separating protein, fibre and lignin into three high-value product streams.
SNAPP
Polyphenol-supplemented pig feed across the full lifespan, with controlled feeding trials at commercial farms. Improving health, productivity and meat quality.
SolarSaver2
Low-carbon off-grid drying solutions for sub-Saharan agricultural producers, reducing food waste and creating highly nutritious products.
Founded on deep scientific expertise
AgriFoodX was founded in 2019 by two scientists with decades of experience across food, environmental and biomedical sciences. Our project management has been rated “excellent” by Innovate UK.
Prof Graham Bonwick
Co-founder & Director
Professor of Applied Biology with expertise in agri-food by-product valorisation, biorefinery technology, food safety and sustainable packaging. Leads AgriFoodX’s research programme and commercial strategy.
Dr Catherine Birch
Co-founder & Director
Scientist and Director with practical expertise in bioplastic alternatives, project management and bio-based materials development. Manages contracts, partnerships and operational delivery.
Funders and collaborators
