Bioproducts business offers HKScan new opportunities for growth. The Group has decided to centralize the marketing, sale and business development of its non-food bio-products under the umbrella of a new business line: Biotech.
Technology development and the systematic improvement of resource efficiency have opened up new, higher-value applications for many meat industry byproducts, both improving material efficiency and also reducing waste. The profitability of bioproducts has likewise improved.
HKScan has a long history in the bioeconomy, but the integration of its new Biotech business line will enable the Group to develop and grow the business across a wider spectrum, with a more systematic, consolidated focus. The customer base covers a wide array of industries from pharmaceuticals to energy, including traditional customer segments such as the pet food, animal feed and leather industries. HKScan is actively looking into new segments to further expand the customer base.
Uniting all of the Group’s existing bioproduct expertise and operations, the new business line is tasked with the mission of developing the biotech business Group-wide. Investments will be required, particularly in automation technology enabling more efficient sorting and processing of byproduct flows. HKScan has stakes and associates related to Biotech business in Finland, Sweden and Denmark. Their active development is now the responsibility of the Biotech business line.
“Our goal is not only to grow our Biotech business, but also to reduce waste and step up recycling and resource efficiency. We also plan to optimize the efficient utilization of all byproducts across the entire Group,” says Mika Paulamäki, who heads the new business line. “Biotech represents an opportunity for HKScan to develop and commercialize its Cleantech expertise.”
Biotech business line is part of HKScan Technology & Operations Development, which is headed by COO Aki Laiho.