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Valorization of sidestreams containing carbohydrates - sample tests e.g. from breweries or juice and cheese producers sought to optimize process for production of protein from bacteria

Country of Origin: Germany
Reference Number: TRDE20211118001
Publication Date: 9 December 2021

Summary

A startup company from Northern Germany develops a new sustainable solution for production of protein from bacteria, that grow on carbohydrates. To investigate different raw materials to optimize the production process, the team wants to test different sugar-rich sidestreams from food and beverage industries. Partners like breweries or juice and cheese manufacturers with an interest to valorize their sidestreams are sought for a technical cooperation on sample tests.

Description

Vegetarian and vegan meat or fish substitutes need to replace animal proteins with suitable alternatives. Current key source of protein are soy beans, but growing demand causes a critical environmental footprint with regard to deforestation, destruction of natural habitats and loss of biodiversity. A startup company from Northern Germany develops a new sustainable solution for production of protein from bacteria. Applications are envisaged in alternative feed and food products and pet food.



The bacteria grow on carbohydrates. The startup intends to develop a sustainable production process based on the concept of circular economy. Therefore it is planned to grow the bacteria on carbohydrate containing sidestreams, that are currently considered of low or negative residual value. 



To investigate which raw materials are best to optimize the production process, the startup is looking for producers with sidestreams containing carbohydrates, that are interested to explore new higher value solutions for valorization of these sidestreams. Requirements for suitable agrifood sidestreams are food grade and a constant composition and consistence. Partners with suitable wastestreams could e.g. be breweries, fruit juice producers, cheese manufacturers or cider plants.



As a first step a technical cooperation agreement on sample tests is envisaged. In case of promising results, further cooperation to scale up production will be negotiated.

Expertise sought

Access to a consistent food grade sidestream containing carbohydrates with a constant composition.

Stage Of Development

Field tested/evaluated

Stage Of Development Comment

Successful proof of principle, currently scaling up the technology and optimizing production process.

Requested partner

Type:

Agrifood manufacturers with consistent carbohydrate-containing sidestreams in their production processes, e.g. breweries, fruit juice producers or cider plants.



Role:

Provide samples that can be tested by the startup in order to identify suitable breeding grounds for the bacteria. In case of promising test results, further cooperation for valorization of sidestreams will be negotiated.