Category: News

Increased foreign co-operation characterized Matís' operations in 2014. International co-operation broadens the horizons, strengthens the knowledge and skills of employees and supports value creation in the food and biotechnology industry, both domestically and abroad. International projects not only support researchers and existing companies, but also support rural development through the creation of derivative businesses, new jobs and international business relations for companies.

2014 was the year of the bioeconomy. Never before have we been so aware of the importance of science and innovation in tackling the challenges of food security and the sustainable use of living resources. Matís has emphasized the blue bioeconomy and plays a key role in that field, both domestically and internationally.

In a globalized world, international collaboration between scientists and companies is the key to increasing competitiveness, creating a stable economy and prosperous societies. Food production is one of the most important aspects of the Icelandic economy. Food security plays a key role here. In 2014, Matís collaborated very well with the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, the German Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the German institutions BfR and LAVES, together with Matvælastofnun, in building our capacity for chemical analysis of food, in the project "Safe Food". The project promotes even safer food on the tables of Icelandic consumers and increases the credibility of Icelandic food around the world. It is my pleasure to thank our partners for their wonderful contribution and support.

Cooperation with our Nordic cousins has always been important to us Icelanders. This was not least the case in 2014 when Iceland appointed the Nordic Council of Ministers, where the entire bioeconomy was the focus of the President's project. "Innovation in the Nordic Bioeconomy“. Opportunities in the Arctic bioeconomy were discussed at conferences hosted by Matís in June and November. It is important for the Nordic countries to be at the forefront of the bioeconomy when it comes to seizing opportunities and reducing the risks posed by climate change in our part of the world. Creating a favorable environment in these areas for innovative companies, and thereby creating employment opportunities for well-trained and educated staff, contributes to the increased value of natural resources and increased global food security, both of which are high on the agenda of international politics.


Icelandic seafood producers are known for quality, innovation and responsible use of resources. Matís is proud to have worked with them over the years to achieve this result. We should undoubtedly continue to innovate vigorously in food production, while at the same time realizing the potential risks associated with innovation and the importance of food safety. With such values in mind, the greatest results will be achieved.

Today's consumers are enlightened. Scandals related to food security, increased education and the introduction of social media have changed the environment for food production forever. It can be expected that changes in that environment will continue, as consumers become more aware of the different benefits, trade barriers have been removed and online shopping will reach new heights. Tomorrow's consumers will ask for scientific information on nutritional value, contaminants, health effects, social responsibility and the environmental impact of food production. In order for food producers to be able to respond to consumer calls, knowledge is needed. Matís' research in these areas will therefore be of benefit to everyone in the future, as is the case today. 

Sveinn Margeirsson, CEO of Matís.

International co-operation has increased steadily in Matís' operations since the company began operations in January 2007. During this time, Matís has co-operated with the Nordic Innovation Fund (e. Nordic Innovation), PepsiCo., An international fund for development aid, foreign universities and the European Union, including on how to improve the Union's fisheries management (EcoFishMan), to name but a few. 

Matís' operations have built up knowledge and experience that is considered desirable, and for example, last Friday the management of Perennia in Nova Scotia and Matís agreed on a declaration of intent for cooperation. This collaboration involves Matís' researchers providing Perennia with advice in the field of fish processing and issues concerning improved utilization of raw materials from the sea. The agreement was reached during a short visit by a delegation from Nova Scotia, led by Nova Scotia's Minister of Fisheries, Keith Colwell.

_{Fridrik Fridriksson, Chairman of the Board of Matís, and Keith Colwell, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture in Nova Scotia, join hands in signing the declaration of intent. Others in the picture are (from left): Sveinn Margeirsson, CEO of Matís, Stewart Wheeler, Ambassador of Canada to Iceland and Jo Ann Fewer, CEO of Perennia.}

The delegation had the opportunity to visit some of the leading companies in the Icelandic fisheries sector and meet representatives of a diverse group of companies with fisheries-related activities, led by the CEO of the Fisheries Association, as well as representatives of industry and the Ministry of Innovation and the University of Iceland.

The guests were impressed by the integration of practical projects and theoretical research by master's and doctoral students in collaboration with Matís' clients.

For further information Sveinn Margeirsson, CEO of Matís.

^{Part of Matís' foreign and domestic partners.}

Iceland's special position when it comes to biotechnology and biomaterials is the diversity of nature and the country's special characteristics, so emphasis has also been placed on researching microorganisms that live in hot springs and on the continental shelf of Iceland. We are therefore working here with unique biological substances that are not known elsewhere.

Matís' biotechnology and biochemistry division is a leader in research and development of biomaterials and biotechnology. The division's research focuses on how it is possible to promote the sustainable utilization of Icelandic nature for the production of sought-after biological substances and enzymes, and how antioxidant and protein-rich by-products of marine products can be utilized, thus contributing to added value and full utilization of raw materials. The division is very active in foreign cooperation and in close contact with food producers, biotechnology companies, institutions and universities.

In support of biotechnology research, a biotechnology center was built in Sauðárkrókur, where it is one of the most advanced laboratories in the country, which has played an important role in Matís' operations and the advancement of biotechnology research and innovation in Iceland and has already yielded value.

The division's biotechnology research takes into account the bioeconomy and its protection, but we are constantly working to develop methods and processing processes for screening, isolating and processing valuable biomaterials from natural raw materials, where the main emphasis is on unused raw materials and by-products.

During the processing of marine products, large quantities of by-products are used, which are either used in low-value products, such as fishmeal, or disposed of with associated costs and adverse effects on the environment. This extra raw material can be used to make valuable products that can be used, for example, in food supplements and target foods.

The processing of by-products not only creates new value but also has a strengthening effect on rural development and creates new jobs. Increased utilization of kelp in Iceland, for example, has resulted in valuable products, in addition to creating jobs in the collection and processing of seaweed, the processing of bioactive substances and the production of skin care products, and has contributed to greater diversity in the Icelandic economy.

Iceland's special position when it comes to biotechnology and biomaterials is the diversity of nature and the country's special characteristics, so emphasis has also been placed on researching microorganisms that live in hot springs and on the continental shelf of Iceland. We are therefore working here with unique biological substances that are not known elsewhere.

The results of research have been a stimulus for growth for Icelandic start-ups, as well Iceprotein and Marinox and has positive consequences for the Icelandic economy. Much has been achieved in research into active biomaterials from Icelandic seaweed, which is one of the most underused and possibly one of the most underestimated resources in Iceland. Research has shown that Icelandic brown algae are particularly rich in interesting and valuable substances, and the first products containing such substances have finally arrived on the market after years of research.

The aim is to process marketable products from the biomaterials found here, and in light of the fact that many of them have functions that are not known elsewhere, they are already in demand by manufacturers both here at home and abroad. Research indicates that the biological substances can be used in the food and chemical industry and positive activity has already been shown. The biologics can therefore be useful in the production of health products that are intended to prevent various ailments and diseases, such as lowering blood pressure, resistance to cancer, prevention of cardiovascular disease and more.

An expert group on biomaterials is currently working on a number of projects related to the development of biomaterials and bioactive substances. Research on algae has played an important role and new ways of utilizing biomaterials in various products are constantly being found. An example is a project that is underway called "New natural antioxidants from the ocean". The project is funded by the AVS Fisheries Research Fund and worked in close collaboration with the innovation company Marinox and companies in the fishing industry, Þorbjörn in Grindavík, HB Granda and Fiskeldisstöðin Haukamýri. The project involves the development and production of new natural antioxidants from Icelandic seafood to increase the stability of various seafood products. The project is based on years of research on algae, which led to the establishment of Marinox, but the company specializes in research, development and production of bioactive substances from marine algae and products containing such substances. The company's first product line, the UNA skincare skin care products, was launched in 2012.

Another collaboration between Matís and Marinox and funded by AVS, is called "Increased value of algae processing". One of the aims of the project is to find ways to utilize by-products from algae processing that have not been used so far in valuable products such as basic compounds for chemical processing, carriers for food supplements and in protein processing.

Protein processing is also a big part of the professional group's activities. Matís has in collaboration with MPF Ísland developed a new product - FiskiTofu. The raw material in FiskiTofu is a protein mass that is processed by isolating protein from cuttings. The product is therefore a good example of the sustainable utilization of living natural resources, as cuttings are now often used in low-value products, for example feed, but here a high-quality product is created that fits in with modern needs.

For further information Hörður G. Kristinsson, Director of Biotechnology and Biochemistry and Director of Research at Matís.

On the 21st of January Representatives of Mjólkursamsälan and Matís signed a five-year collaboration agreement on research on skyr bacteria and whey. According to information from Jón Axel Pétursson, MS's Managing Director of Sales and Marketing, the company is very excited about this collaboration, which the companies have agreed on.

"There is great value in the skyr and the Icelandic skyr bacterium, as we have seen very clearly from our positive sales development of skyr in the Nordic countries, but last year sales there increased by 85% and are now a total of around and over 13,000 tonnes," says Jón Axel. There is every reason to investigate further the Icelandic skyrgeril and its uniqueness and how it can be used to make the skyr an even more valuable export product than it is today. "Gaining access to the qualified and good professionals in science and research who work at Matís is therefore very valuable to us and we have high hopes for the future of our collaboration," says Jón Axel. "Furthermore, together we intend to better investigate the properties of whey and how it is possible to make more value out of it than is done today."

According to Oddur Már Gunnarsson, Matís' business development manager, the company sees a great opportunity in working with MS. Matís is a leading research company in food, biotechnology and environmental research and the company is very well equipped to handle projects like this.

"There is a great deal of knowledge within Matís about all kinds of microorganisms and that knowledge will be useful for research on skyr and skyr bacteria. Whey is no less an interesting raw material that offers great potential for increased value creation. The collaboration between Matís and MS creates enormous opportunities for innovation, "says Oddur Már.

"The collaboration with MS also fits in well with the basic values of Matís' operations, but the company places emphasis on working on various projects in the food industry, where emphasis is placed on innovation and value addition", says Oddur Már further.

^{Oddur Már Gunnarsson, Matís Business Development Manager and Jón Axel Pétursson,
The Managing Director of Sales and Marketing at MS signs a co-operation agreement between the two companies}

During its presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers, Iceland has emphasized the Nordic bioeconomy and launched several research projects in this field. The aim of these projects is, among other things, to find new ways to make better use of our resources and prevent waste ", says Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture.

The bioeconomy includes all the biological resources that produce raw materials, such as the sea, pastures, wilderness, human resources, forests and fresh water. Ways need to be found to make better use of these resources and thus reduce the waste of the raw materials they produce. At the same time, we need to ensure the health of ecosystems so that they can withstand stress, such as natural disasters. Rational utilization and development of living resources can help reduce natural hazards, if planned with that in mind, for example, reduce forests and islets from the risk of flooding and forests bind volcanic ash.

The bioeconomy affects all life on earth. Therefore, the importance of preserving it is unequivocal. Environment Day last April. was dedicated to the caption: "Stop throwing away food", But one of the basic preconditions for protecting the bioeconomy is precisely not to take more than we need. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that 1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted each year, about a third of the food produced. At the same time, one in seven people in the world goes to bed hungry and over 20,000 children die daily from malnutrition. Food waste is a moral problem, not least in the Western world.

It is important to raise public awareness of the consequences of food waste and to find ways to address it. This calls for a change in thinking in all production and we have a duty to utilize the raw material as well as possible. It is also important for innovative companies to look for ways to process processed raw materials that have been wasted so far, thus promoting finishing. Food waste is generated at all stages of the food chain. It is estimated that in developing countries the waste is greater at the production stage, while the opposite is true in the other western countries, where the waste takes place more at the consumption stage of the product.

This calls for life-cycle thinking to be applied in all waste policy-making and decision-making, both at government level and in the production of goods. For this reason, I submitted a bill amending the Waste Management Act to the Althingi in November 2013, which provides for certain priorities in waste management and the establishment of rules on waste management and policy. It is primarily a matter of prevention in order to prevent the formation of waste.

Next in priority are preparation for reuse, then recycling, then other reuse, such as energy production, and finally disposal.

Food waste is generated for various reasons, such as overproduction, inadequate storage methods, unsuitable dosages and lack of consumer care, for example when food is left in the fridge. Individuals can contribute to the fight against food waste, for example by better planning food purchases, checking dates and using leftover food instead of throwing it away.

Matís' projects aimed at improving raw material utilization and processing are important to society, as such projects contribute to better utilization of resources and at the same time reduce negative effects on nature. It is a significant financial benefit for individuals and society to stop wasting food at the same time as it is morally and socially right not to throw away food at a time when many people in the world are starving.

There is a great deal of ingenuity and creative thinking in the Nordic countries, and through Nordic co-operation, the Nordic countries have clearly shown that they have every reason to be at the forefront in many areas. The aim of the Icelandic Presidency's program and the projects that are being worked on within its framework is and must further strengthen the Nordic Region's position in this field.

The interview with the Minister is published in Matís' annual report for the operating year 2014, but the report was published on 16 January.

Matís plays a leading role in a large-scale multinational project that has attracted attention within the European Commission, and the project, called Amylomics, has been chosen as one of the projects that stand out from all the numbers that the Commission sponsors each year (Success story).

The Amylomics project will utilize the diverse biota of geothermal areas in Iceland to develop heat-resistant enzymes for use in the starch and sugar industries. Heat and acid resistance are essential properties in such industrial processes, but these properties can be found in the enzymes of organisms in hot springs.

The biotechnology project Amylomics is the idea of Matís' experts and Iceland will largely be its platform. The diversity of geothermal areas in Iceland is unique and Matís has extensive expertise in their ecosystem. The project is based on developing technology to utilize this special Icelandic genetic source, producing enzymes with certain and important properties and exploring possibilities for utilizing the enzymes in various areas of the chemical and food industry.

Among the participants in Amylomics is the French company Rocket Frères , which is one of the largest in Europe in the production of starch and derivatives, with an annual turnover of about 7 billion euros. Roquette Frères will be testing enzymes that will be developed in the project for testing and innovation in its production.

Dr. Guðmundur Óli Hreggviðsson, Matís's professional manager, is Amylomics' project manager, and he provides all further information.

Information about the project can also be found on the website European Commission. 

Belt algae can be found in many parts of the country (Saccharina latissima) in considerable quantities but probably nowhere is there as much of it as in Breiðafjörður. There have been ideas about the possible utilization of belt kelp, so research was undertaken on the things that need to be kept in mind in order to get the best possible product from the raw material.

The seaweed's harvest season is in May and June, but then it is free of hay for the most part. The seaweed was found to have different chemical content according to its age, young seaweed contained less protein and salt than year-old seaweed collected at the same time, but iodine levels were higher in younger seaweed. Considerable differences were found in appearance, taste and texture after the treatment the seaweed received.

Proper harvest time and handling can therefore have a decisive effect on the quality of the raw material and the products made from it.

The project was funded by the AVS fund and worked in collaboration with Matís and Íslenskr bláskeljar in Stykkishólmur. A report on the project can be found at Matís website, provides further information Þóra Valsdóttir at Matís.

To improve coherence and synergy in biotechnology issues and pave the way for further innovation, the European Union established the European Bioeconomic Council, European Bioeconomy Panel. Matís' director of research, Herður G. Kristinsson, was invited to sit on the council, but it is a great honor, not only for Matís but also for the Icelandic scientific community.

The European Bioeconomy Council is a forum for discussion of the bioeconomy as a whole - from primary production to consumer markets - taking into account the complex interplay of social and economic factors and the changes they can bring about.

When we talk about the bioeconomy, we mean the food industry, feed production, forestry, fisheries, agriculture, aquaculture and the biochemical industry. European countries are making great efforts to increase co-operation between those who produce, manage and utilize organic resources or engage in other activities based on them. This refers to sectors such as food production, fisheries, agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and other related sectors. The Bioeconomics Council consists of 30 experts, all of whom are experts in their field within bioeconomics.

Hörður G. Kristinsson, director of research, says that since the establishment of the Bioeconomy Council, discussions about the bioeconomy have increased significantly. "The bioeconomy touches on many areas and the Bioeconomy Council is therefore an important tool for supporting communication between issues. Europe 2020 is the European Union's 10 - year strategy, which aims to promote sustainable economic growth within the Union. One of the focus areas of the strategy is sustainable growth, climate change, green energy, better energy utilization and increased market competitiveness. The European Bioeconomic Council was established to work on issues belonging to this category. Here at Matís, we still focus on talking about both green and blue growth ", says Hörður. "Blue growth refers to the sea and fresh water and is important for Iceland and our neighbors who share the resources of the Atlantic with us, but there are great opportunities for sustainable utilization and added value. Cooperation between green and blue growth is also important as there is often a strong link between land and sea riches. Those who work in these fields can learn a lot from each other and present new ideas from one field to another. The European Bioeconomy Council will facilitate this technology transfer and information sharing between sectors. "

Europeans need to rethink

"Europe is facing numerous challenges at the moment, population growth, rising age and age-related diseases, climate-related issues, the depletion of natural resources and growing environmental pressures. Europeans therefore need to rethink how they treat nature and radically change their approach to production, consumption, processing, storage, recycling and disposal of organic resources. Our goal is to maintain a healthy and sustainable bioeconomy in Europe and thus have a positive impact on the continent's population. Such challenges can, however, be inspiring and give rise to new ideas and discoveries. The bioeconomy will support industrial development in rural areas and lead to population growth. It will also make Europeans think about the need to improve the management of renewable resources and make them more aware of how they are increasingly impacting the bioeconomy and how it is opening up new markets for sustainable food and biotechnology products. It is also necessary for people in the primary processing industries to look at what they can do to make the production sustainable and environmentally friendly. " says Hörður. "When proposals are made for new foods and new ingredients and producers point out the need for sustainability, it is not only important to think about environmental protection but also food safety and safe food."

Hörður says that the European Bioeconomy also encourages the establishment of bioeconomy councils in individual countries and regions. "The importance of better and increased sustainability around life resources has never been more important than now and requires increased participation of the research community, companies and the government. Increased innovation and value added are needed to make full use of limited resources. Cross-border co-operation is the key to achieving goals and meeting increased demands for organic production. Many countries share the same resources, so it is important to establish a coordinated policy and procedure. For example, the Nordic countries are working to establish a bioeconomy council that sets a coherent policy for the Arctic's biological resources. It is also very important for us to work closely with other countries, such as our neighbors in the West, the United States and Canada, but we share many resources with them and face similar challenges. "

Diverse resources

"One of the biggest tasks of the European Bioeconomy Council is to create a Bioeconomy Observatory, which aims to map and monitor the progress and impact of the European bioeconomy and work on a long-term policy that benefits the development of the bioeconomy. We have also worked extensively on definitions and mapping and put forward proposals for the biomass available in Europe. This work is very important for the sustainable and profitable use of living resources. Our living resources are diverse and touch on many aspects of food, feed, energy and pharmaceuticals and agriculture. In this assessment, we have had to take into account various economic, social and environmental factors, and this has made the work considerably more complex. Our goal is to present to the European Union priority proposals on the supply and use of biomass, "says Hörður.

The European Bioeconomy Council has presented a policy and action plan based on this Framework Program for Research and Technological Development (FP7) and EU Framework Program for Research and Innovation (Horizon 2020).

The main theme of this year's report is largely related to the bioeconomy, but this year was the year of Iceland's presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers, followed by a three-year presidency program on the bioeconomy.

Matís has worked closely with the Icelandic government on the implementation of the plan, as the bioeconomy is the basis for most of the company's research and innovation projects. The main task of the Presidency this year was to innovate in the Nordic bioeconomy in order to strengthen regional economic growth.

Matís will lead innovation and product development projects that will be carried out in the field of bioeconomy under the presidency program. Sigrún Elsa Smáradóttir, Head of Business Development, is the project manager.

Matís Annual Report 2014

These are projects that focus on innovation and increased sustainability in food production, increased production of biomass, including for biomass plants, and the utilization of new technology, including biotechnology, to increase value in the utilization of organic resources. Matís has already achieved good results in increasing the value of underutilized resources and looking for ways to improve the utilization of the resources that are already being utilized by conducting active research and innovation as well as supporting entrepreneurs. The innovation projects within the presidency program are thus a natural continuation of that work, they connect Icelandic and Nordic knowledge with the aim of identifying opportunities, reducing waste and increasing value in the bioeconomy.

For further information Steinar B. Aðalbjörnsson, marketing director of Matís.

Cooperation with educational institutions and vocational training for students is one of the important aspects of Matís' operations. In doing so, Matís is not only making it easier for students and recent graduates to gain opportunities for further knowledge acquisition, but Matís is following up on its emphasis on research and innovation in the field of food for the benefit of the economy, public health and food safety.

A fun interview with Ásta Heiðrún E. Pétursdóttir was recently published in JASS News in Scotland. Ásta is a post-doc at Matís but was studying for a doctorate at the University of Aberdeen.

In the interview, Ásta says, among other things, that when she made the decision to go to Scotland to study, she thought that the two countries, Iceland and Scotland, were not so different now - rain, wind, mountains and sheep!

The full interview can be read on the web JAAS News.