Please note that the English version of this text has been prepared with the assistance of AI, and in some instances, it may not have been subsequently reviewed or edited by the authors.
On September 2nd, the “BioPhoT” implemented by the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) took place” POLYCLAY-UV project closing event “From espresso to SPF – the second life of coffee and tea by-products in cosmetics.” During the event, scientists, entrepreneurs, and industry experts discussed the potential of by-products in creating new, sustainable raw materials, as well as the path from a scientific idea to a market-demanded product.
The POLYCLAY-UV project investigates how polyphenols present in coffee and tea by-products can be used together with clay to develop novel polyphenol-clay composites with potential applications in cosmetics and UV protection.
The event was opened by the project's scientific supervisor, Associate Professor Rūta Ozola-Davidāne. Researcher and doctoral student spoke about the project idea, its development path, and the achieved results Aiga Mazurenko. Meanwhile, the head of the “BioPhoT” platform Osvalds Pugovičs introduced the role of the platform in the development of science-based innovations.
Business Development and Innovation Expert Kaija Kurme-Jansone focused on the cooperation between researchers and entrepreneurs, as well as the path from an idea to a business opportunity. Doctor of Food Science and coffee researcher Ilze Laukalēja-Broka introduced the results of the consumer study conducted within the framework of the POLYCLAY-UV project.
Byproduct as a resource
In the panel discussion “When the beverage industry becomes a source of innovation,” the focus was on the by-products of coffee and kombucha production after their generation and the opportunities to use them in the context of the circular economy.
The discussion was moderated by Ilze Laukalēja-Broka, and participated in Ancis Romanovskis, “Rocket Bean” brand manager, Edgars Elbergs, co-owner of “Rudy's Kombucha”, and Martins Eihmanis, Head of Marketing and Communication Department at “Virši”.
During the conversation, it was emphasized that by-products should not be perceived merely as residues of the production process. In cooperation with science and other industries, they can become a valuable resource for creating new products and solutions. A significant role in this process is also played by the readiness of enterprises to form new cross-sectoral partnerships.
From lab to market
In the panel discussion “What makes an idea market-ready?”, experts discussed the prerequisites necessary for a scientific idea to become a viable and market-demanded innovation.
The discussion was moderated by Mārtiņš Boroduškis. It was attended by Gunta Šulte, head of “MÁDARA Cosmetics”, Māris Būmanis, as a board member of “Latvijas Finieris”, Anna Ramata-Stunda, co-founder and CEO of “Alternative Plants”, as well Gundars Skudriņš, entrepreneur and founder of the Institute for Environmental Solutions.
One of the most important takeaways from the discussion is that a good idea alone is not always enough. For an innovation to reach the market, industry needs, product applicability, regulatory requirements, consumer expectations, and market changes must be taken into account. Equally important is the ability to adapt at the right time and critically evaluate the potential of an idea, including recognizing when it is time to close a certain direction of development and make way for a new one.
POLYCLAY-UV updates a broader question – how to connect science, industry, and circular economy principles so that a previously underutilized by-product becomes the basis for new added value.
Photo: Ruslans Antropovs
POLYCLAY-UV – “Multifunctional Polyphenol-Clay Composite for Natural UV Protection and Skin Health” (No. PIP_BioPhoT-2025/1-0065) – is implemented by the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) within the framework of the long-term state research program “Biomedical and Photonics Research Platform for Innovative Products”.
