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New Report: Value Creation in Circular Food Production
At Arctic Food Arena's first co-creation workshop in Gällivare (2024), the need to explore real-life examples to properly understand how circular food production can thrive in the Arctic was emphasized. This led to the creation of this brand-new value chain report that focus on four key areas: greenhouse production, insect farming, aquaponics, and RAS shrimp farming. All four sectors show strong potential for circular value chains in northern Sweden.
Please find a summary of the report below.
Four Value Chains and Their Symbiosis Potential
This overview presents four selected value chains—greenhouse production, insect farming, aquaponics, and RAS shrimp farming—each chosen for its potential to inspire innovation and collaboration. These examples showcase sustainable practices, resource efficiency, and opportunities for industrial symbiosis
1. Greenhouse Production: Regenergy Frövi
Located in Frövi, Lindesberg, the Regenergy greenhouse leverages waste heat from the Billerud paper mill to sustainably produce tomatoes year-round. Spanning 10 hectares, the facility reduces Sweden's reliance on imported tomatoes, achieving a yield of 8,000 tons annually. Hydroponic systems cut water usage by 90%.
Key Phases
Preparations:
Assessing and integrating waste heat systems with infrastructure development. Establishing partnerships with greenhouse production experts.
Production:
Using controlled environment agriculture (CEA) for hydroponics, pest control, and nutrient optimization.
Harvesting and distribution: Tomatoes are sorted, packaged, and transported using temperature-controlled logistics.
Market strategy:
Odlarlaget manages sales through major retail chains, targeting consumers preferring local and sustainably grown produce.
2. Insect Production: Tebrito and Others
Tebrito focused on mealworm farming to address the rising demand for sustainable protein. Despite ceasing operations in 2024 due to financial constraints, the company advanced insect farming processes and technologies.
Key Phases
Technological setup:
Developed climate-controlled rearing systems, utilizing pre-consumer vegetable waste as part of the feed.
Production:
Mealworms were cultivated under controlled conditions, with a portion set aside during pre-pupation stages for breeding to ensure sustainability.
Harvesting and logistics:
Larvae were separated from frass, fasted, and flash frozen. The larvae can also be processed into protein, oil, or chitin products. Packaged larvae were distributed under temperature-controlled logistics.
Market applications:
Mealworms were used for human, pet, and animal feed, while frass was marketed as a fertilizer.
Other initiatives, like NovaPro, emphasize black soldier fly (BSF) farming for decentralized, sustainable protein solutions. BSF protein is more suitable for animal feed.
3. Aquaponic Farming: Johannas Stadsodlingar
This urban farming initiative combines fish farming and plant cultivation, using fish waste as fertilizer in a closed-loop system. The pilot facility in Vallentuna, Stockholm can perform at a water reuse efficiency of 99.97%.
Key Phases
Setup and operations:
Integrated fish tanks, biofilters, and nutrient circulation systems. Rainbow trout and crops like pak choi thrive at a water temperature of 15.5°C.
Cultivation and harvesting:
Continuous water cycling supports plant and fish growth. Utilizes a rotational planting and harvesting cycle, enabling weekly harvesting. Harvested fish and crops are stored in separate cold chains.
Market strategy:
Due to low production capacity, most produce is sold to local restaurants. Participated in media and trade fairs to enhance project visibility.
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4. RAS Shrimp Farming
Using Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), this method reduces the environmental impact of shrimp farming by recycling water and maintaining optimal conditions. Although not currently active in Sweden, it demonstrates potential for sustainable seafood production.
Key Phases
Setup:
Includes culture tanks, filtration, and aeration systems to ensure water quality.
Production:
Efficient feeding and temperature control (28–32°C) enhance shrimp growth.
Market considerations:
Focus on frozen or fresh shrimp packaging to match distribution needs.
Results from workshop
Symbiosis Potential Overview
Extended Report: Update September 2025
In March 2025, as part of Creaternity Impact Days, Arctic Food Arena in collaboration with Boden municipality and Luleå University of Technology, held a workshop in Boden focusing on the identification of waste streams with symbiosis potential in northern Sweden.
The approximately 80 participants, ranging from large industry actors to local famers, were divided into 9 groups. A total of 27 waste stream were identified. From these, three were selected for deeper analysis in this report and included in the symbiosis potential chart: waste bread, algaculture, and biogas.
This was based on their regional relevance, available volumes, and potential for integration with the value chains handled in this report; hydroponics, aquaponics, insect farming and RAS fish and shrimp farming.
Waste bread
Bread waste is a substantial component of post-consumer food waste, mainly generated by grocery stores, bakeries and restaurants due to overproduction, expiration dates and aesthetic standards. It is classified as “former foodstuff” meaning it was intended for human consumption but has lost market value without being consumed.
Key Phases
Characteristics
This waste stream is categorized by a relatively homogenous composition, with high levels of starch, simple carbohydrates and an easily processed texture. Bread is microbiologically active and therefore highly perishable, requiring swift handling and processing to avoid mold or spoilage.
Relevance
In the context of northern Sweden, bread waste offers a resource stream suitable for local circular economy initiatives. Given the regions dispersed population and relatively long food supply chains, bread waste from supermarkets offers a consistent, localized and organic feedstock that can reduce dependency on imported inputs.
Insect production
Bread waste is a well suited, carbohydrate-rich addition, to incorporate into the diets of *BSF and **meal worm production. These insects can efficiently convert bread waste into high value biomass (protein and fat), while their frass can be used as a biofertilizer. Some operational pilot facilities, such as DC Farming in Boden, already demonstrate the feasibility of integrating this waste stream into BSF production.
Biogas
In biogas production, bread waste is a highly digestible input due to its simple carbohydrate composition. It can be used as a standalone feedstock or co-digested with other organic materials.
Regulatory compliance
EU and national regulations (e.g., feed safety, traceability and hygienization standards) affect how this waste bread must be processed and handled when used as animal or insect feed. Specifically limiting from where waste bread can be taken from.
Pre-processing
Drying, grinding, or ensiling (controlled fermentation) can extend shelf life and reduce spoilage risk.
Logistical and infrastructural challenges
Bread waste is often produced in small and dispersed quantities across retail and food service locations, making it potentially complex to collect, transport and store efficiently. This highlights the advantage of co-location synergies between e.g. a grocery store, insect production and a potential pre-treatment facility.
Volume fluctuation
Bread waste generation may peak during certain holidays (e.g., Christmas, Easter), requiring flexible logistics
Algaculture
Description
Algaculture refers to the controlled production of micro or macroalgae (seaweed) in water-based systems. Microalgae can be grown in open ponds, photobioreactors, or integrated into wastewater treatment processes. They often thrive on inputs such as CO2 emission, nutrient-rich water, or residual heat from industrial processes.
Key Phases
Characteristics
Algae are highly efficient photosynthetic organisms capable of rapid growth under the right conditions. They absorb CO2 and nutrients, mainly nitrogen and phosphorus, from water, converting them to biomass rich in proteins, lipids, or pigments depending on the species. The performance of different algae species may vary depending on the intended function and design of the utilized production system
Relevance
Due to limited sunlight and heat during winter months, application of algaculture in a northern environment may be limited to indoor photobioreactors. Access to clean water, available land and the potential for co-location with industries that emit CO2 or excess heat further improves feasibility by supplying essential inputs
Insect production
Algae can enrich insect feed with fatty acids or pigments. Insect facilities can also supply CO₂ and heat to boost algae growth. This creates a symbiotic loop where emissions become inputs, reducing resource loss and improving overall system efficiency.
Aquaponics
Controlled use prevents unwanted growth in plant or fish tanks. When properly managed, algae can stabilize nutrient levels and improve water quality without interfering with core system components.
RAS Fish & Shrimp farming
Algae can clean nutrient-rich water in RAS, reducing discharge and supporting reuse. Some species may also be processed into feed for shrimp or fish.
Biogas
Digestate from biogas plants can be used to feed algae with nutrients, while algae biomass can be sent back into digestion for added gas yield.
System sensitivity
Algae cultivation requires careful control of light, nutrients, and temperature to avoid contamination and ensure stable yields. Even small imbalances can lead to system crashes or unwanted microbial growth.
Species selection
Different algae types perform better depending on system goals such as nutrient removal, biomass output, or feed enrichment.
Climate adaptation
Outdoor cultivation is limited in Northern Sweden during winter, but indoor or seasonal setups can work if supported by local waste heat and CO₂.
Infrastructure needs
Scaling algae systems relies on affordable access to water, space, and integration with nearby waste or energy streams. Industrial areas or farms with excess nutrients or CO2 are ideal locations.
Harvesting and processing
Harvesting and dewatering are still cost-intensive, but ongoing innovation is gradually improving efficiency and feasibility.
Biogas
Biogas production involves the anaerobic digestion of organic materials such as food waste, manure, agricultural residues, or industrial by-products. In this process, microorganisms break down the material in an oxygen-free environment, producing biogas (a mix of methane and CO2) and a nutrient-rich residue called digestate.
Key Phases
Characteristics
Biogas systems are flexible in terms of feedstock and can handle a wide variety of biodegradable waste streams. Their efficiency depends on feedstock, temperature, retention time, and microbial balance. The resulting biogas contains around 50-70% methane, depending on the input materials. Digestate, the solid and liquid by-product, contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and other valuable plant nutrients. Biogas plants can be scaled from small farm-level installations to large industrial units.
Relevance
Biogas production is particularly relevant for Northern Sweden as a means to reduce waste, generate local renewable energy, and support nutrient cycling. Cold climates require insulation or heat recovery for year-round operation, which can be supported by co-location with heat-generating industries or greenhouses.
Hydroponics
Digestate from biogas plants can be processed into liquid fertilizers suitable for hydroponic systems. While it requires treatment to ensure nutrient balance and remove solids, it provides a renewable alternative to synthetic inputs.
Insect production
Residues from insect farming, such as frass and uneaten substrate, can be used as feedstock for biogas production.
RAS Shrimp farming
Organic waste from RAS, such as fish sludge or uneaten feed, can be co-digested in biogas plants. This reduces environmental discharge and offers a solution for managing nutrient-rich effluents.
Algaculture
Digestate serves as a nutrient source for algae systems, especially in side-stream cultivation setups. Algae biomass, in turn, can be sent back into the digester to enhance gas yield and close the loop.
Feedstock variability
Biogas systems can process a wide range of organic materials, but the consistency and quality of inputs affect gas yield and process stability. Co-digestion with complementary materials often improves performance and balances nutrient content.
Regulations and digestate use
Digestate is rich in nutrients but may require treatment before being used in plant systems or discharged. Regulations on heavy metals, pathogens, and nutrient loading vary and must be considered for safe and legal use.
Energy needs
Maintaining optimal digestion temperatures in cold climates can be challenging. However, waste heat from nearby facilities or combined heat and power systems can help maintain performance throughout the year.
Policy incentives
Sweden supports biogas through national energy goals and subsidy schemes, making it a financially attractive option in many regions. Increased demand for fossil-free fuel alternatives may further boost long-term investment.
extended
Results from workshop
Overview of symbiosis potential, extended
Food Processing
Based on the different produce that has been described in the symbiosis models in this report, there are also potential possibilities to process this into food and feed in the region. Ideally, some of the food processing should be done in the region to cater for the regional consumption needs.
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Tomatoes that are second range or damaged can be processed into juices, marmalades and other consumer products based on tomatoes. There are several jam and juice manufacturers in the region, which could be possible to partner up with.
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Insects should probably be further processed in larger scale plants specialized on producing pet food, feed or fertilizer from the insects. Transportation costs are relatively low, and the insects can therefore be transported to this kind of factory basically anywhere in Sweden or Scandinavia.
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For the fish or shrimp farming further processing could be investigated in connection to the current processing of fish and roe in Kalix. There are also plans for fish farming in the Luleå area and joint processing of seafood could be a possibility to explore further.
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