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Angus tattie farmers have teamed up with scientists for a project aimed at transforming potato waste into cosmetics and other “high-value” compounds.

Partners include Aberdeen University and the James Hutton Institute (JHI).

The university hopes it may deliver “skincare gold”.

Scotland’s seed potato industry is worth about £24.2 million annually.

And it generates more than 51,000 tons of “shaws” – the tops, stems and foliage of the plant – every year.

As part of essential crop management to stop further tuber growth and ensure quality, storability and disease resistance, these shaws are traditionally discarded after harvest.

Now, it is hoped to unlock their hidden potential.

Scientists aim to extract solanesol from the discarded shaws.  This is a compound vital for creating coenzyme Q10, a nutrient your body produces naturally and vitamin K2.

Both are used in cosmetic, healthcare and pharmaceutical products.

Currently sourced mainly from tobacco, solanesol demand has soared from about 4,000t in the early 2000s to 66,000t by 2022.

Aberdeen University said the new product offers an “ethical, sustainable alternative”.

Other potential benefits include reducing waste, cutting carbon emissions and creating new income streams.

A spokesperson at the university added: “The project will make more complete use of the potato biomass, reduce agricultural waste and create new economic opportunities for Scottish farmers and co-operative members.

“With 13,000 hectares (more than 31,600 acres) of seed potatoes grown in Scotland, the industry could yield up to 120t of solanesol annually, driving circular economy innovation and strengthening rural resilience.”

The Innovate UK-backed project brings together industry expertise from farmer-owned co-operative Grampian Growers with researchers from Aberdeen University and JHI.

Other partners include York-based consultancy Alder BioInsights and the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society.

Aberdeen University immunology professor Heather Wilson said it is “an exciting and impactful” area of research.  “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.”

Sofia Alexiou, project leader at Grampian Growers, based at Logie, near Montrose, said: “By unlocking new revenue streams, the project supports Scottish farmers and enhances the profitability of co-operative models.”

In doing so it will showcase the potential of innovation to strengthen rural economies, Ms Alexiou added.

Aberdeen University honorary chairwoman Giovanna Bermano is part of the project.  Professor Bermano said: “This pioneering research lays the foundation for future innovation.

“By demonstrating how agricultural by-products can be transformed into high-value compounds, the project sets the stage for subsequent research and commercialisation that will drive innovation, reduce environmental impact and secure a competitive advantage for UK science.”

This article appeared in The Courier on 25 November 2025