Ambitious Researchers Seek Hidden Value In Scottish Potato Waste

A team of scientists from the University of Aberdeen and the James Hutton Institute, working together with potato cooperative Grampian Growers, has embarked on an initiative to unlock the hidden potential of potato shaws by turning the waste leaves and stems into a high-value skincare ingredient. 

The project aims to extract solanesol from the discarded shaws, a compound vital for producing coenzyme Q10 and vitamin K – key ingredients in cosmeceutical, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical products that are mostly sourced from tobacco.

Extracting the valuable ingredient from potato waste presents a commercial opportunity to create a new high‑value revenue stream for the Scottish seed potato industry to strengthen rural resilience

At the same time, the research presents an opportunity for sustainable innovation by making more complete use of the potato biomass to reduce agricultural waste and carbon emissions.

The project holds potential for the wider potato industry, said Sofia Alexiou, Project Lead at Grampian Growers in a press release from the University of Aberdeen.

“It offers an opportunity to add value to agricultural by-products while addressing key challenges such as waste reduction and economic resilience,” Alexiou explained. 

“By unlocking new revenue streams, the project supports Scottish farmers and enhances the profitability of cooperative models, demonstrating the potential of innovation to strengthen rural economies.”

Image: University of Aberdeen

Traditionally discarded after harvest, the Scottish seed potato industry generates over 51,000 tonnes of potato shaws each year, which could yield up to 120 tonnes of solanesol annually, according to the researchers.

With demand for solanesol soaring from 4,000 tonnes to 66,000 tonnes over the last two decades, the project offers an ethical, sustainable alternative to tobacco. 

The Scottish seed potato industry produces across 12,800 hectares and is worth £24.2 million. 

Discarding potato shaws forms part of an essential crop management practice to stop further tuber growth, and to ensure quality, storability, and disease resistance. 

According to the scientists, this pioneering and exciting initiative sets the stage for subsequent research and commercialisation that will drive innovation, reduce environmental impact, and secure a competitive advantage for UK science and industry. 

The project brings together scientists and researchers with industry expertise, and is funded by Innovate UK through the Launchpad: Bio-based Manufacturing - Scotland programme.