BioVit - Circular Natural Vitamin C Extracted from Fruit Processing Waste

BioVit currently sells natural micronutrient blends derived from plant and mushroom extracts, delivering bioavailable vitamins and minerals to food and supplement brands. These blends are specifically designed for producers of organic and natural, "clean-label" products that are restricted from using synthetic additives, but are also usable in mass-market food products.

At present, the majority of BioVit's products are manufactured from tropically-grown plants. This project aims to develop processes to extract Vitamin C from Welsh fruit waste, marking an important step towards establishing the sustainable domestic production of natural alternatives to synthetic vitamins.

By extracting vitamins from food waste, BioVit will be able to offer organic, clean-label and conventional brands a range of natural vitamins and minerals to add to food and drink products, made using circular manufacturing processes. This project focuses on apple pomace, the dry waste left over after the production of apple juice. Pomace is nutrient-rich and available in large quantities in South West Wales, where it is usually disposed of in landfill, emitting significant volumes of greenhouse gases.

BioVit's innovative approach repurposes this carbon-producing waste into a raw material, supporting net zero while serving a clear and demonstrable commercial demand. The project includes exploration of the possibility of allowing apple juice producers additional opportunities for circular manufacture, by fortifying their juices with vitamins extracted from their own waste product.

Securing grant funding for this project would enable BioVit to accelerate their development of a comprehensive range of natural vitamin extracts produced wholly within Wales, and their transition to carbon-neutral production and circular manufacture.