MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Birch Bark is one of the oldest trees on the planet. Now, a University of Minnesota startup company is turning its bark into a variety of products.

For thousands of years, birch bark has been a popular substance for fireplaces and canoes.

But Pavel Krasutsky, a Ukranian immigrant and University of Minnesota-Duluth researcher, has patents on birch bark for the manufacture of cosmetics and dietary supplements. Krasutsky has been doing research on birch bark for 15 years.

Krasutsky says it only makes sense when you consider the hardy tree is plentiful in northern Minnesota.

“What we are going to do is just to explore something which nature gave to us. It’s a great gift and people should use it,” said Krasutsky.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO’s Steve Murphy Reports

Now, he and his colleagues plan to capitalize on the nutritional benefits and cosmetic properties of birch bark beginning in the spring.

Krasutsky says birch bark also has potential for pharmaceutical products.

The Actives Factory is based in Two Harbors.