Phytoscosmo brings The James Hutton Institute, Grampian Growers and the University of Aberdeen together to transform potato shaws (stems and leaves) into high-value ingredients for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Scotland produces about 51,200 tonnes of shaws annually, usually left in fields. The project targets solanesol, typically sourced from tobacco, creating a more sustainable, ethical supply, cutting emissions, and adding new revenue streams for farmers.
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Scientists at The James Hutton Institute are working with Grampian Growers and the University of Aberdeen on Phytoscosmo, a project designed to turn the stems and leaves of potato plants — known as potato shaws or haulms — into high-value ingredients for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.
Each year, Scotland’s seed potato sector generates around 51,200 tonnes of potato shaws as a by-product of seed potato production. Removing this foliage is a vital crop-management step: it stops further tuber growth and helps protect quality, storability, and disease resistance. Typically, the haulms are cut and left in the field.
Phytoscosmo is exploring a more valuable use for this material, which contains a range of high-value compounds, including solanesol — a sought-after ingredient in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics that is usually sourced from tobacco leaves.
The James Hutton Institute is internationally recognised for potato research and is the UK’s largest potato R&D centre, with deep expertise in developing commercially successful varieties and delivering applied science for the agricultural sector. It also hosts the National Potato Innovation Centre (NPIC), which brings together academia, industry, and government in the UK and beyond to help future-proof the potato industry and strengthen economic resilience and growth.
Ultimately, the project aims to create an ethical, more sustainable source of solanesol — reducing reliance on tobacco cultivation, cutting carbon emissions, and supporting Scotland’s circular economy, according to a press release.
“This project is particularly significant for Grampian Growers and the wider potato industry,” Sofia Alexou, project lead at Grampian Growers said. “It offers an opportunity to add value to agricultural by-products while addressing key challenges such as waste reduction and economic resilience. By unlocking new revenue streams, the project supports Scottish farmers and enhances the profitability of co-operative models, demonstrating the potential of innovation to strengthen rural economies.”
Based on 12,800 hectares of Scottish seed potatoes grown in 2024, the sector could potentially produce up to 120 tonnes of solanesol per year — creating an opportunity for farmers to diversify income and contribute to a more resilient agricultural model.
Solanesol is a precursor for coenzyme Q10 and vitamin K2, both valued for their antioxidant and anti-ageing properties. It is also a key ingredient in several pharmaceutical products, including treatments for migraines and certain neurodegenerative and cardiovascular conditions.
This initiative is opening up new commercial pathways for sustainable biomanufacturing in Scotland and across the UK, helping to meet rising global demand for bio-based products. Driven in part by increased use in cosmetics and nutraceuticals, demand for solanesol has grown from around 4,000 tonnes in the early 2000s to 66,000 tonnes by 2022.
“Exploring the quality and yield of solanesol extracted from locally sourced potato shaws and evaluating its potential applications across the cosmeceutical and related industries, represents an exciting and impactful area of research,” Professor Heather Wilson from the University of Aberdeen, said.
“This work not only supports the transition to ethical, tobacco-free sourcing of high-value compounds, but also advances sustainable innovation showcasing how science can unlock new value from agricultural by-products and strengthen the resilience of rural communities across Scotland and beyond.”
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