SolEdits helps Lyckeby cut at least 5,000 tonnes of chemicals yearly with CRISPR innovation.
The Challenge
Potato starch is used in everything from soups, sauces and dairy products to paper and cardboard. To meet industrial requirements for process tolerance and product storage stability, much of the 50 million tonnes of starch produced annually must be chemically modified – a process requiring large amounts of chemicals.
The Solution
Together with Lyckeby, SolEdits has developed a novel “storage stable starch” using its unique CRISPR-based breeding process. By making just a few precise edits in the potato genome, SolEdits eliminated the starch components that previously made the starch require chemical treatment. The result is a potato that no longer produces amylose and has an optimized amylopectin for a natural storage stability.
The Results
5,000 tonnes of chemicals saved in Sweden – equivalent to 75,000 tonnes across the EU.
A natural “green label” starch – no chemical modifications needed.
Improved product quality and shelf-life.
Added value for 500 growers who own Lyckeby Group.
“SolEdits is an important partner in our pursuit of ambitious sustainability objectives. Our collaboration also enables us to create added value for our 500 members – growers and owners of the Lyckeby Group Economic Association.”
– Kalle Johansson, Development Manager, Lyckeby
Soledits role
SolEdits provides not only the technology but also the expertise and process to rapidly improve commercially important potato varieties. With CRISPR, new traits can be added with precision – from storage stability of starch in products and improved storage quality of tubers to disease resistance, heat tolerance, improved food quality and enhanced food safety.
The Future
Lyckeby has tested CRISPR potatoes developed by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, and lately SolEdits which is a spin-off from the early research made at SLU, in field trials since 2017 and is ready to launch the first generation NGT potato as soon as legislation allows. A decision is expected before the end of 2025.
“This is only the beginning. With CRISPR we can make potato even healthier and more sustainable in the future.”
– Mariette Andersson, CEO, SolEdits
This partnership shows how precise gene editing can accelerate sustainability in food production. —> Learn how SolEdits can help your business innovate sustainably.
