October 2024 - Issue 4 Andrea Lopez, Selko Alternative source of proteins for animal feed Tomáš Kubeš, Bene Meat An innovative ingredient for pet food: Cultivated meat Tran Thi Chau, Entobel Antimicrobial peptides in black soldier fly larvae: Opportunities and challenges www.feedandadditive.com by Feed Additive Magazine Alternative Proteins INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE FOR ALTERNATIVE PROTEINS TO ANIMAL FEED NOVEL PROTEIN SOURCES: Impact of insect protein meals on pet food palatability ACCELERATING ADOPTION OF INSECT-BASED INGREDIENTS FOR PET FOOD
© Three Plus Media | All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. *DISCLAIMER: All views and ideas expressed in articles published in the magazine reflect the point of views of the author(s), not that of the Editor-in-Chief, Editors, Editorial Board or Publisher of Alternative Proteins Magazine. The Editor-in-Chief, Editors, Editorial Board and Publisher assume no responsibility or liability in such cases. The publisher does not give any warranty and representation to the accuracy or completeness of the contents and data published in the magazine. All responsibility of the contents, articles and information published in the magazine belongs to the authors. The publisher and the authors cannot be held responsible for any damages resulting from the use of the whole or part of the content of the magazine. feedandadditive Alternative Proteins + Dear Readers, Over the last year, there have been a number of remarkable developments in the alternative proteins industry, which have been closely followed by the animal nutrition industry. Particularly in insect farming, we see that scaleup investments have accelerated considerably and serious steps are being taken for industrial scale production. Investors' interest in this industry is increasing day by day. On the other hand, governments continue to revise legislations to support the growth of the insect industry, especially due to environmental impact and sustainability concerns, while maintaining a distant approach. Research and trials conducted by industry members in partnership with independent organizations are expected to accelerate the acceptance of insect ingredients. Another alternative protein branch, cell-based meat, is also experiencing interesting developments (although not as fast as the insect industry). One of the biggest global players in the animal nutrition industry has opened its first cell feed production facility. In its new facility, the company has started producing cell feed specially developed for the cultured meat industry. Although small batches are being produced for now, this is a very important step for the development of the cultured meat industry. The use of cultured meat in animal nutrition seems to be limited to pet food for now. Pet food manufacturers are taking steps to experiment with this new protein source and continue to introduce new cultured meat-based pet food types to pet parents. In this issue, you will find news and articles on the potential use of cultured meat in pet food and developments in the industry. However, there are some obstacles to the widespread use of cultured meat. In particular, there are regulatory restrictions on the production and consumption of cultured meat in some regions. This slows the development of the technology and limits the growth of the industry. There is also insufficient scientific data on the use of cultured meat in animal feed. Therefore, more research is needed on the effects and safety of cultured meat in animal nutrition. In conclusion, we see that scientific data and research are key to the growth of all segments of the alternative protein market. In this long-range run, we will continue to share news, new scientific data and research studies on the development of the industry. Hope to see you in the next issue... Enjoy your reading... EDITOR The long-rage run of the alternative proteins industry continues Derya YILDIZ Publisher Muhammed Akatay [email protected] Responsible Manager Özlem Akatay [email protected] Editor-in-Chief Derya Yıldız [email protected] Editors Burak Varol Zeynep Demirkaya [email protected] Communication & Marketing Lisa Atakul [email protected] Design Alper Kandemir [email protected] Web Design Caner Cem Pulat [email protected] Circulation and Data Responsible Amine Şengün [email protected] Ataturk St. Metropol Istanbul Ste. Block C1, No:376 Atasehir, Istanbul/TURKEY Phone: +90 850 220 5064 E-Mail: [email protected] Web: www.feedandadditive.com Publication Type: Periodic (Twice a year)
Sustainability goals and raw material scarcity mean by-products from the food and beverage industry is now seen as a viable, nutritious source of energy for animals. Trouw Nutrition offers solutions to help the industry use resources more efficiently and move towards a circular, more sustainable economy. THE BENEFITS FOOD2FEED QUALITY Reduce landfill Upcycle by-products Maintain nutritional value Sustainable alternatives that make a little go a long way Learn more, visit www.selko.com
CON T E N T S ARTICLES 18 EXPLORING ALTERNATIVE PROTEINS FOR ANIMAL NUTRITION IN THE EU: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW By Argenta 34 ANTIMICROBIAL PEPTIDES IN BLACK SOLDIER FLY LARVAE: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES Tran Thi Chau, Entobel 22 ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF PROTEINS FOR ANIMAL FEED Andrea Lopez, Selko 37 ACCELERATING ADOPTION OF INSECT-BASED INGREDIENTS FOR PET FOOD Dr. Jennifer Adolphe, ADM 26 PRELIMINARY TRIALS: MEALWORM PULP SHOWS POSITIVE PALATABILITY IN PETS Dr. Bénédicte Lorrette, Ÿnsect 30 NOVEL PROTEIN SOURCES: IMPACT OF INSECT PROTEIN MEALS ON PET FOOD PALATABILITY Dr. Cristina Murcia García, Kemin Nutrisurance EMEA 51 THE USE OF SILKWORM BASED INGREDIENTS IN LIVESTOCK FEED AND PET FOOD Ankit Alok Bagaria, Loopworm Private Limited
CON T E N T S Indian insect company certifies safety, quality and industry compliance 58 Bühler and NRGene inaugurate insect center 8 Nasekomo and RVS Ruse complete project on insect bio-valorization 61 Aerbio unveils fully operational alternative protein facility 56 Czech start-up unveils cell bank for cultivated meat 14 Nutreco opens world’s first cell feed production facility 10 Calysta’s pet protein now available in Europe 12 First-of-its-kind microbial protein-containing dog treat launched 65 NEWS INNOVATION 44 REPLOID: REVOLUTIONIZING INSECT PROTEIN PRODUCTION Vincent Reda, REPLOID Group AG 46 NORWEGIAN MYCELIUM (NOMY): PIONEERING MYCELIUM INNOVATION IN SUSTAINABLE ANIMAL FEED Erik Tveteraas, NoMy 48 UNVEILING M-BSF PLATFORM Dr. Yehonatan Alcalay & Dr. Noam Chehanovsky, BugEra INTERVIEW 40 AN INNOVATIVE INGREDIENT FOR PET FOOD: CULTIVATED MEAT Tomáš Kubeš, Bene Meat Technologies
NEWS 6 Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2024 FreezeM unveils new method in sex identification of BSF larvae One of the leaders in black soldier fly (BSF) breeding, FreezeM’s R&D team developed a groundbreaking method for identifying male and female BSF larvae using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), revolutionizing breeding and rearing practices. Previously, sex differentiation was only possible in adults through a manual, one-by-one process under a microscope, according to the company. Early identification during the larval stage, especially in a high-throughput manner, presents significant opportunities to optimize breeding, rearing, and production efficiency by enabling targeted management of each sex. The company explains the key findings as: ● Innovative Sex Differentiation: Our R&D team discovered a unique genetic sequence distinguishing male and female BSF. By amplifying this sequence with PCR, we can now accurately determine the sex of larvae. ● Non-Invasive and Sustainable: This non-destructive method allows larvae to be tested through a harmless biopsy. The larvae continue developing into adults capable of reproduction, making it practical and sustainable for ongoing breeding programs. ● Impact on Breeding and Rearing: Early sex differentiation enables more precise breeding and rearing strategies. Producers can optimize male/female population balances for specific objectives, improving resource management, product consistency, and economic outcomes. ● High-Throughput Application: This PCRbased approach supports large-scale operations by enabling high-throughput screening. Early sex identification streamlines selective breeding programs and promotes the development of genetically superior lines for targeted traits. Read more>> Manna Insect launches insect farming hub Finnish company that offers knowledge, tools and solutions to profitably upcycle organic waste into high-protein animal feed, Manna Insect unveiled that its FARM Hub launched after going through a testing period. The FARM Hub includes lots of new content, such as Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming training materials, webinar recordings, and a full BSF training course, together with a whole new learning center, a BSF business calculator, an insect farm management tool (Manna Insect Farming App), and an AI-assisted BSF knowledge base, and more, all for free. There's paid premium content as well, such as advanced training materials, a visual dashboard to Manna MIND customers, premium Farming App features and more. The company explains that all necessary content to getting started is there for free to watch, read, and to run BSF farms accordingly. Manna Insect announced that it is also building there a marketplace for all kinds of Black Soldier Fly and more widely insect farming related tools, technology, services, eggs, larvae, BSF products and what not - to be launched this autumn. Read more>>
NEWS Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2024 7 DeepBranch continues its alternative proteins journey as Aerbio Aiming to usher in a new era of sustainable biotechnology, Aerbio officially launched. The newly formed company comes as part of a buyout of UK-headquartered DeepBranch Biotechnology Ltd, with the core management team of Kaspar Kristiansen (CEO), Rob Mansfield (CTO) and Peter Rowe (CXO), and Chairperson Lars Topholm retained to forge a new path for the business. Several announcements related to Aerbio’s technology development, board composition and other topics are set to follow in the coming weeks and months. Aerbio CEO, Kaspar Kristiansen states: “At Aerbio, we don’t just follow the rules for fermentation—we rewrite them. With the acquisition of Deep Branch’s groundbreaking (R)evolve™ platform, we’re able to harness a technology to convert simple molecules into sustainable, high-value products and use it at the centre of a new, bolder direction built in close collaboration with our shareholders and management team.” As one of the pioneers of aerobic gas fermentation, Aerbio is positioned at the forefront of a revolution in the field of industrial biotechnology where the traditional reliance on sugar as source of carbon and energy is addressed. The company explains its primary focus for their technology that uses carbon dioxide and hydrogen in the same way most fermentation processes use sugar as to scale production of Proton™, a protein-rich ingredient poised to revolutionize food and animal nutrition. Read more>> Skretting Australia, the Australian arm of Nutreco’s aquaculture division, and Goterra, a multi-award-winning Australian climate tech startup, announced a new partnership to include Australian insect meal in aquaculture feeds. This collaboration will drive the upscaling of key technologies required to mitigate food waste impacts, while contributing to the sustainable production of Australian farmed seafood. According to the companies, this is a win-win for the country’s food system. With a mission to mitigate food waste by transforming it into alternative proteins and sustainable fertilisers, Goterra is helping to combat climate change along the way. A key part of the Australian aquaculture industry since the 1990s, Skretting Australia has been at the forefront of driving feed innovation and sustainability in the Australian market across these 30 plus years. The company has shown considerable commitment to the development and validation of new novel ingredients in recent years. Both the global and local aquaculture industries are large and growing; it is essential for the global industry to support the development of novel ingredients, such as insect meals, to commercial scale. According to the companies, the local validation of insect meals marks the beginning of a new chapter of circularity for Australian aquaculture. Because, without the development and validation of new raw materials, aquaculture simply cannot grow in line with forecast demand. Read more>> Goterra and Skretting partner for aquafeed
NEWS 8 Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2024 Aerbio announces €50 million Series A fundraising plan for sustainability One of the pioneers in sustainable biotechnology, Aerbio announced its plans to raise up to €50 million in a Series A funding round, with the target close set for Q4 2024. This bold step forward will reportedly fund the construction of Aerbio’s cutting-edge demonstration-scale facility and expand the company’s revolutionary (R)evolve™ platform, setting the stage for fullscale commercial operations. Aerbio is at the forefront of biotechnology innovation, transforming simple molecules into valuable products without the need for arable land or fossil fuels. With its groundbreaking (R)evolve™ platform, the company points out it has unlocked the potential of microbiology to convert carbon dioxide and hydrogen into valuable products. Aerbio’s launching product is Proton™, a protein-rich ingredient poised to revolutionise food and animal nutrition industries. “Our ambition knows no bounds,” says Kaspar Kristiansen, CEO of Aerbio. “Our Series A round is a bold statement in our conviction in our plan and our relentless pursuit of breaking new ground in biotechnology. We’re not just building a company— we’re turning biotechnology on its head, paving the way for a sustainable future where sugar-free fermentation is a reality.” Read more>> Bühler and NRGene inaugurate insect center Bühler, the Swiss technology group, and NRGene Canada, a subsidiary of NRGene Technologies Ltd., an Israeli genomics company, celebrated the successful launch of the North American Insect Center (NAIC). The inauguration event, held at NRGene Canada's facility in Saskatoon, marks a significant leap forward in the production and optimization of insect protein in North America, the companies stated. The NAIC is designed as a research and demonstration center where customers can evaluate the performance of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) varieties tailored to their specific by-product streams. The cutting-edge facility is also dedicated to supporting investors in evaluating the economic viability of larger plants before committing to full-scale investment. According to the companies’ explanation, this innovative approach empowers businesses to make informed decisions, ensuring optimal efficiency and sustainability in protein production. The launch event featured a tour of the cutting-edge lab, showcasing the advanced capabilities of the NAIC. Attendees included Dr. Gil Ronen, CEO and Co-Founder of NRGene, Andreas Baumann, Head of Market Segment Insect Technology at Bühler, and Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Trade and Export Development. "Saskatchewan is continuing to attract innovative companies who are choosing to invest and grow their business in our province," Jeremy Harrison notes. "Our reputation as global leaders in agricultural and biotechnology is attracting record capital investment into the province. We're very proud to see the North American Insect Center join a growing list of cutting-edge institutions here in the province. This facility will create new skilled jobs and further position Saskatchewan as a center for alternative protein production research and a leader in global food security." Read more>>
NEWS Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2024 9
NEWS 10 Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2024 Innovafeed partners with pet food companies for Hilucia label Innovafeed, one of the global leaders in insect production, announced two strategic partnerships with the US pet food companies Jiminy’s and Arch for the rollout of its Powered by Hilucia™ co-branding on Jiminy’s Good Grub Dog Food and Arch’s Insect and Plant Recipe Dog Food. According to Innovafeed’s statement, these new collaborations, launched at Superzoo, one of North America’s premier pet retail events, mark a significant milestone in the company’s journey. Products featuring the Powered by Hilucia™ label will be available on Jiminy’s and Arch’s websites, Amazon, and throughout major pet food retailers. Hilucia™, a portmanteau of Hermetia illucens, the scientific name of the Black Soldier Fly, is Innovafeed’s brand for sustainable and performant ingredients for animal and plant nutrition that was soft-launched earlier this year. According to the Innovafeed, Hilucia™ represents the convergence of the company’s pioneering industrial technology combined with the natural properties of an incredible insect that bring high-qualitative nutrition. The Powered by Hilucia™ label is therefore becoming a seal of performance, sustainability, and precision, the company claims. The front-of-pack label is designed to raise awareness about the benefits of Innovafeed’s model, including the lower environmental impact —requiring at least 50% less greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional protein and oil sources—and the superior nutritional profile of the Hilucia™ Protein and Oil for Pets products, which contain 60% protein and essential fatty acids for optimal pet health, respectively. Read more>> Nutreco opens world’s first cell feed production facility Nutreco completed construction on the world’s first dedicated food-grade powder production facility for cell feed in Boxmeer, the Netherlands, and brought it up to commercial operation. According to Nutreco’s statement, this facility produces the first cell feed product developed specifically for the cell-cultured meat industry. This development is one way in which Nutreco is working towards its purpose of Feeding the Future, the company pointed out. To feed the global population in 2050, we need to produce more food than we do today – a momentous challenge for the industry and the world. “The cell-cultured protein industry is in its development stage and one of its biggest challenges is how to feed protein cells cost-efficiently, sustainably and at scale. We see potential for this industry to be one solution to the challenge of feeding the rising global population and are committed to helping the industry grow by becoming a supplier and a solutions provider,” expressed Susanne Wiegel, Head of Alternative Protein Program. “We must continue to drive productivity and reduce the environmental footprints in the animal protein value chain, and produce protein from more and more varied sources – animals as well as alternative sources of protein such as plant-based protein, meat or seafood developed from animal cells and protein produced through fermentation. Our investments and innovation in the cell-cultured protein industry are just one way we’re tackling the challenge,” pointed out David Blakemore, CEO of Nutreco. Read more>>
NEWS Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2024 11 ANDRITZ FEED & BIOFUEL andritz.com/feed-and-biofuel-en FEED & BIOFUEL COMPLETE PLANT SOLUTIONS FROM START TO FINISH, WE ENSURE YOUR PROJECTS DEVELOP SEAMLESSLY UNDERSTANDING YOU. STANDING BY YOU. NEVER STANDING STILL. We provide complete plant solutions for the animal feed industry to your exact specifications and with industry-leading cost efficiency by leveraging our extensive processing expertise and experience. By harnessing the power of automation and digitalization, we ensure continuous innovation to keep you at the forefront. AND with the industry’s most trusted services, we are always there for you. For more information, visit our website.
NEWS 12 Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2024 Nasekomo, one of the leading biotech innovators dedicated to advancing the insect industry, announced an upgrade to its neonate delivery service for Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly, BSF) newborn larvae. The company points out that this enhancement introduces a groundbreaking suspension technology, significantly improving the efficiency and reliability of insect-based protein production. “The extended suspension of the newborn larvae was a testament to the innovative efforts of Nasekomo's R&D department,” says Bartosz Grodzki, Head of the Nasekomo Multiplication Center, underlining that the company is deeply committed to scientific research. “We've always prioritized a deep understanding of the biology of our insects, which is fundamental in creating solutions that meet the needs of the growing insect industry. The more we explore the biological intricacies of Hermetia illucens' life cycle, the more complexity we uncover, but we also see a wealth of new opportunities," adds Grodzki. Nasekomo states that as the insect bioconversion industry evolves, with companies specializing in different stages of the process, it has consistently provided high-quality neonate delivery services, thereby supporting the growth of the insect industry. “The complexity and specialized knowledge required for each stage are driving the industry towards a more specialized and segmented approach” explains the Co-founder of Nasekomo Marc Bolard. According to him, outsourcing the breeding stage reduces operational costs and allows producers to focus on rearing and processing. Read more>> Nasekomo improves insect protein production efficiency with new suspension technology One of the world-leading protein pioneers, Calysta is targeting significant growth in Europe as the first major shipment of FeedKind® Pet protein arrived at its warehouse in Poland. The shipment builds upon its launch of FeedKind Aqua earlier this year. FeedKind Pet, a non-GMO protein with no animal or plant ingredients used in its production, is now available to pet food manufacturers across Europe, where it can be used in dry kibble, tinned food, or treats. Made by fermentation, the protein was shipped by Calysseo, Calysta’s joint venture with Adisseo to produce FeedKind at commercial scale. Earlier this year, Calysseo received MARA approval from China for use in aquaculture feeds. An export permit granted this spring enabled Calysseo to commence shipping internationally. Calysseo explains it hosts two of the largest fermenters in the world, each with a 10,000-tonne nameplate capacity. Herman Sloot, Vice President of Commercial Development at Calysta says: “For the first time, Europe’s pet food sector has the option to choose a fermented protein that is nutritious and kind to the environment. Starting today, FeedKind Pet will be available globally at commercial scale. FeedKind Pet is already approved for use in both the EU, the UK, Canada, and many other countries. Read more>> Calysta’s pet protein now available in Europe
NEWS Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2024 13 Insect protein producer secures investment of $58 million Idealist Capital, Sanimax and Fondaction announced their $58 million strategic investment in Entosystem, one of the key players in the production of insect proteins and organic fertilizers for agriculture and animal nutrition. This decisive investment aims to accelerate Entosystem’s growth by increasing existing production capacity and constructing a second commercial plant. Using its cutting-edge technology, Entosystem reportedly diverts tonnes of organic materials from landfills and transforms them into high-quality ingredients, reducing the environmental footprint of food production. “This agreement is the result of a rich collaboration with strategic business partners and, above all, the dedication of an outstanding team without whom Entosystem would not have been able to position itself so quickly as a world leader in its sector. We have all the keys in hand to achieve our ambitions and grow,” says Cédric Provost, President and Co-Founder, Entosystem. The Drummondville carbon-negative plant can process 90,000 tonnes of organic matter each year into 5,000 tonnes of high-quality protein meal, as well as 15,000 tonnes of fertilizer approved for organic farming. According to an independent study, this innovative project reduces GHG emissions by 85% compared to the current scenario and generates carbon credits. According to the hierarchy of solutions to prevent food loss and waste, Entosystem’s solution is preferred as it enables the reintroduction of organic matter into the food chain through an ecological process. Read more>> Industry experts gather to discuss insect feed and food sector The 5th edition of the "Insects to Feed the World" (IFW 2024) conference, organised by the Asian Food and Feed Insect Association (AFFIA), concluded at the Singapore EXPO on 22 June 2024. The event served as a pivotal platform for advancing dialogue and collaboration in the insect feed and food sector. Over 600 participants attended IFW 2024, underscoring its significance as a global gathering of industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs committed to exploring innovative solutions for food and feed security. Key highlights included significant talks by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), Herman Teo, on "Developing a Comprehensive Insect Regulatory Framework for Singapore" and by MUIS (Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura) representative, Nur Sharalyn Abdullah, on “Assessing Halal Certification of Insects”. Notably, Singapore achieved a milestone with its first halal certification for insects by MUIS, reflecting its commitment to diverse dietary needs and food security. The conference featured five parallel sessions covering a wide range of topics, including insect regulatory frameworks, engineering, biology, and Lunch and Learn sessions on market outlooks, BSF developments in China, and breeding strategies. These sessions facilitated robust discussions and knowledge exchange among participants, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging experience throughout the event. Read more>>
NEWS 14 Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2024 Germany-based pet food brand Dr. Clauder’s joined forces with protein pioneer Calysta to launch the world’s first dog treats made with FeedKind® Pet protein, a revolutionary new pet food ingredient. The air-dried treats from Dr. Clauder's were presented at the world’s leading pet trade fair, Interzoo. The product contains Calysta’s nutritionally rich protein produced by natural fermentation. According to the companies, its production by natural fermentation makes this protein an excellent nonGMO ingredient that meets market demands for nutritional quality, taste and health for pets. After its debut at Interzoo, the Dr. Clauder Trainee snack cultivated protein treat featuring FeedKind Pet, will be made available for sale in Europe. Calysta explains that FeedKind Pet protein is a fermented ingredient that is nutrient dense, has a complete amino acid profile for dogs, and has postbiotic properties that help maintain a healthy gut in animals. Additionally, FeedKind Pet is a vegan protein source. “Dog owners have high expectations for their pet’s food and are increasingly conscious about the source, quality, and safety of the ingredients used,” said Herman Sloot, vice president commercial development at Calysta. “For the first time, Europe’s pet food sector has the option to choose a high-quality source of protein that is nutritious and kind to the environment. Calysta is now producing at significant scale, and FeedKind Pet is approved for use in pet foods in the EU. We are excited Dr. Clauder’s is introducing a snack featuring FeedKind Pet protein as we set a new standard for dog treats – one that prioritises both taste and health, while looking after our planet,” Sloot added. Read more>> Dr. Clauder’s and Calysta unveil fermented protein dog treat Bene Meat Technologies (BMT), a company that focuses on the development and commercialization of cultivated meat in the food and feed industry, unveiled its cutting-edge cell bank, an essential part of ethical and sustainable cultivated meat production. More than 5,000 samples have reportedly already been stored in the cell bank of the biotech company. This bank, allowing the cultivation of meat without the need for animal slaughter, is the result of several years of research by the startup. Its existence ensures access to a sufficient quantity and variety of cells that can be cultivated for both research and production purposes, the company states. “The cell bank is a crucial element in our effort to produce meat in an ethical and sustainable way. From the very outset, we knew that it would be essential to our success. Advanced cell preservation technology is critical to the smooth progress of both our research and cultivated meat production. With its use, we can meet the demand for meat without a negative impact on animals and the environment. In our research and production, we mainly use primary cells directly sourced from small tissue samples, ensuring both high quality and an ethical approach,” explains Ing. Zuzana Šaturová, Manager of the Cell Bank. Read more>> Czech start-up unveils cell bank for cultivated meat
NEWS Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2024 15 Enifer secures €36M in funding for its PEKILO® mycoprotein Finnish mycoprotein company Enifer announced the completion of a €36M funding package that enables it to start constructing a unique food-grade mycoprotein factory in Kirkkonummi, Finland. The factory, which is set for completion by the end of 2025 and projected to cost €33M, will convert food industry side streams into Enifer’s sustainable PEKILO® fungi-based protein ingredients. The plant will be the world's first commercial plant to produce such a mycoprotein ingredient from sidestream raw materials. “At Enifer, we’re extremely excited to announce the kick-off of our first factory investment project. For over half a century, Kantvik has been at the heart of Finnish bioindustries, and I could not think of a better location to bring PEKILO® fermentation back to life. I would like to thank our new investors, in particular Taaleri Bioindustry and the Finnish Climate Fund, for joining us in our mission. Mycoprotein is the missing ingredient for a more sustainable food chain – the facility in Kantvik serves as a key steppingstone on our path to making mycoprotein a cornerstone of protein supply, with several future factories already being planned,” says Simo Ellilä, CEO and co-founder of Enifer. The new funding package comprises a new €15M Series B equity funding round led by the Finnish private equity fund Taaleri Bioindustry Fund I, with follow-on investments from existing shareholders Nordic Foodtech VC, Voima Ventures, Valio, and Laine Holding. Read more>> GEA began the construction of its technology center for alternative proteins in Janesville, Wisconsin, USA. Scheduled to open in 2025, the center will scale up the production of novel plantbased, microbial, and cell-based foods. Here, GEA aims to support manufacturers in meeting the demand for complementary proteins and ingredients to traditional animal-based products. “This investment underscores our commitment to innovation and sustainability in the food industry,” said Arpad Csay, who leads GEA’s new food activities in North America, at the groundbreaking ceremony on May 8, 2024. The center will house pilot lines for cell cultivation and precision fermentation, bridging the gap between benchtop and commercial production of alternative proteins. “The technology center will offer foodtech businesses a platform to develop and derisk their processes to ensure technological and commercial viability. It helps startups in the sector implement a business strategy that requires little upfront investment. This way, we help accelerate the development of market-ready products,” adds Csay. Read more>> GEA builds technology center for alternative proteins
NEWS 16 Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2024 NAIC to serve as innovation hub for insect protein industry NRGene Canada, NRGene's Canadian subsidiary, announced the opening of the North American Insect Center (NAIC). This research center for collaborative innovation was established together with the Swiss technology group Bühler marking a significant milestone in the advancement of insect protein production in North America. The North American Insect Center (NAIC) is located at NRGene Canada's facility in Saskatchewan. This cutting-edge center will serve as a testing and demonstration facility for both companies' customers, offering them the opportunity to evaluate the performance of chosen Black Soldier Fly (BSF) varieties on the by-product streams available to the customers. The NAIC will allow customers to assess BSF varieties, operational parameters, and practices for efficient industrial-scale production. NRGene Canadian emphasizes that this collaborative approach enables informed decisions and maximizes BSF's potential as a sustainable protein source. The center will serve as a hub for innovation, supporting the growth of the insect protein industry in North America. Additionally, the center will offer workshops, training sessions, and seminars to educate the industry stakeholders on the benefits and best practices of insect protein production. Read more>> UK-based startup Flybox® launched of the FeedFlow project, which was awarded £3 million in funding by Innovate UK as part of Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme. This initiative brings together a consortium of industry leaders and academic institutions to address significant health and welfare issues in poultry production, utilising advanced technologies and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae, the company points out. Despite significant advancements in production efficiency through genetic selection, the poultry industry reportedly faces persistent issues, including poor leg health, high mortality rates, and variable feed conversion ratios (FCRs). Additionally, poultry production contributes notably to ammonia emissions in the UK. To address these issues and stay competitive against low-cost imports, UK production systems must evolve continuously. Flybox® points out that Black Soldier Fly farming and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are emerging as revolutionary solutions for improving poultry welfare and performance while supporting sustainability. BSF larvae are renowned for their ability to promote natural poultry behaviour and provide a nutrient-rich, high-quality protein source enhanced with antimicrobial peptides. AI systems propel precision agriculture by delivering real-time data on flock welfare and early warnings of potential issues. Read more>> BSF startup receives £3 million in funding
NEWS Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2024 17 Hungarian insect producer Agroloop agreed with Germany-based WEDA Dammann & Westerkamp on the feeding technologies of its new black soldier fly larva (BSFL) rearing facility to be established for animal feed. The plant for the industrial production of the feed insect is currently being built near Budapest Airport, and will go into operation in Autumn 2024. Agroloop Hungary is significantly increasing its existing larvae breeding capacities for the European market with the plant investment of more than 20 million euros. By the end of this year, the agrotech company is expected to receive 120 tonnes of raw material per day, of which 6,000 tonnes of soil improver granules, nearly 3,000 tonnes of feed protein and more than 600 tonnes of feed fat will be produced annually – producing around 10,000 tons of end product in its 13,000 square metre plant. High-quality insect-based feed proteins are increasingly being used as a health-promoting source of protein for the pet food and livestock feed segment. In view of a rapidly growing world population, the global demand for animal proteins is expected to increase by around 100% by 2050. It is estimated that the insect feed market will reach a total annual turnover of €2 billion by the end of the decade, producing 1 million tonnes of insect meal per year. Read more>> Agroloop builds BSFL factory for animal feed Portuguese companies introduce new petfood with insect protein The official launch of the new adult dog food product, happyOne Premium Insect Protein, developed in collaboration with pet food manufacturer petMaxi and the insect producer EntoGreen, was held at an event in Lisbon. EntoGreen's Founder and CEO, Daniel Murta, opened the session reflecting on the importance of developing innovative products for the national and international markets and announcing the characteristics of insect proteins that make it a unique and high-quality product to include in petfood. Dr Rui Fortunato, petMaxi's Technical Director, presented the advantages of this new petfood, namely the fact that it is hypoallergenic, with a single protein source, insects, being a high-quality product that is part of petMaxi's Premium range. The companies emphasizes that this product incorporates 25% insect protein and is characterised by being suitable for animals with sensitivities (itching, hair loss, among others) and allergic symptoms. This launch session was also special as it presents one of the first products resulting from the work carried out by the InsectERA Mobilising Agenda, funded under the Portuguese Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), a project that is expected to launch more than 100 new products, processes, and services by 2026. Although having a launch session in May, this product reached the Portuguese market in February, and can currently be found in more than 50 physical and online points of sale, including veterinary clinics and pet shops. Read more>>
ARTICLE 18 Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2024 Alternative sources of protein for use in animal nutrition are classified in the EU as feed materials. As per Regulation (EC) No 767/2009, ‘feed materials’ are products of vegetable or animal origin, whose principal purpose is to meet animals’ nutritional needs, in their natural state, fresh or preserved, and products derived from the industrial processing thereof, and organic or inorganic substances, whether or not containing feed additives, which are intended for use in oral animal-feeding either directly as such, or after processing, or in the preparation of compound feed, or as carrier of premixtures. In Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1104 of 1 July 2022 amending Regulation (EU) No 68/2013 on the Catalogue of feed materials both, industry and consumers, can find the list of these proteins that can legally enter the market for use in feeding stuffs. On Table 1, you will find some of the most interesting examples authorised to date. The first two entries of the table cover insects already authorised for use in the EU, which is a source that can be tricky to understand from the farming/ manufacturing point of view since the diet of these animals is also subject to regulatory requirements, further details are provided. FEED FOR INSECTS Companies interested in harvesting insects for use in animal feeds should notice that their feed is also subject to legal requirements that guarantee the safety of the entire food chain. In particular, farmers must pay attention to the following (as per Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/893): - Feed for insects cannot contain ruminant proteins, catering waste, meat-and-bone meal, manure, or faeces. - The substrate used for feeding insects may only In the EU there are different alternative/non-traditional sources of proteins allowed for use in animal nutrition that companies and consumers are not necessarily familiar with. In this short article, we will cover some of them, including the characteristics the ingredients must have to comply with European regulations. EXPLORING ALTERNATIVE PROTEINS FOR ANIMAL NUTRITION IN THE EU: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW By Argenta
ARTICLE Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2024 19 Terrestrial invertebrates, live Terrestrial invertebrates, dead Aquatic invertebrates (includes both, live and dead) Single cell proteins from fungi Live terrestrial invertebrates, in all their life stages, other than species having adverse effects on plant, animals and human health. Dead terrestrial invertebrates, other than species having adverse effects on plant, animals and human health, in all their life stages, with or without treatment but not processed as referred to in Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009. Whole or parts of marine or freshwater invertebrates, in all their life stages, other than species pathogenic to humans and animals. Fermentation product obtained from culture of Aspergillus oryzae, Paecilomyces varioti or Trichoderma viride on substrates mostly of vegetable origin such as molasses, sugar syrup, alcohol, distillery residues, cereals and products containing starch, fruit juice, whey, lactic acid, sugar, hydrolysed vegetable fibres and fermentation nutrients such as ammonia or mineral salts. 9.16.1 9.16.2 10.1.1 12.1.9 Product from Bacillus subtilis rich in protein Fermentation product obtained from culture of Bacillus subtilis on substrates mostly of vegetable origin such as molasses, sugar syrup, alcohol, distillery residues, cereals and products containing starch, fruit juice, whey, lactic acid, sugar, hydrolysed vegetable fibres and fermentation nutrients such as ammonia or mineral salts. 12.1.10 Name of the ingredient Description Nº assigned in the EU catalogue Examples Table 1. Examples of alternative protein sources currently authorised for use in animal feeds in the EU. Single cell proteins from bacteria Bacterial biomass rich in protein Fungal biomass Protein products obtained by fermentation with bacteria on a substrate/culture medium consisting of methanol (fermented with Methylophilus methylotrophus) or natural gas (fermented with Methylococcus capsulatus, Alcaligenes acidovorans, Aneurinibacillus danicus (previously known as Bacillus brevis) and/ or Bacillus firmus) as carbon source, a nitrogen source of vegetal or chemical origin, vitamins and minerals. Protein rich co-products obtained from the production of amino acids, vitamins, organic acids, enzymes and/or their salts obtained by fermentation with Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus velezensis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus smithii, Corynebacterium casei, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Corynebacterium melassecola, Ensifer adhaerens, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli K12 or Lactobacillaceae on substrate/culture medium consisting of a carbon source mostly of vegetal origin, a nitrogen source of vegetal or chemical origin, vitamins and minerals. The product may be hydrolysed. Protein rich co-products obtained from the production of products such as enzymes, vitamins and/or organic acids obtained by fermentation with Ashbya gossypii, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus tubingensis, Aspergillus sojae, Neurospora intermedia, Neurospora tetrasperma, Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma longibrachiatum or Trichoderma reesei on substrate/culture medium consisting of a carbon source mostly of vegetal origin, a nitrogen source of vegetal or chemical origin, vitamins and minerals. 12.1.13 12.2.8 12.2.9 Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens), Common Housefly (Musca domestica), Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), Lesser Mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus), House cricket (Acheta domesticus), Banded cricket (Gryllodes sigillatus), and Field Cricket (Gryllus assimilis) – currently authorized. Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens), Common Housefly (Musca domestica), Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), Lesser Mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus), House cricket (Acheta domesticus), Banded cricket (Gryllodes sigillatus), and Field Cricket (Gryllus assimilis) - currently authorized. Mayfly, Odonata species – potential for future use. - - - - -
ARTICLE 20 Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2024 contain products of non-animal origin or the following products of animal origin of Category 3 material: fishmeal, blood products from non-ruminants, di- and tricalcium phosphate of animal origin, hydrolysed proteins from non-ruminants, hydrolysed proteins from hides and skins of ruminants, gelatine and collagen from non-ruminants, eggs and egg products, milk, milk based-products, milk-derived products and colostrum, honey, and rendered fats. How about the potential for new ingredients to be authorised for use in insect feeds, such as feed additives? To date, there is no feed additive authorised specifically for use in insects in the EU. However, European authorities are already contemplating the possibility of receiving a request for authorising such products since, as it can be seen in the recently updated Guidance on the assessment of the efficacy of feed additives published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), there are now requirements for experimental design when the target species are insects. For example, a) an application dossier aimed at authorising a feed additive for all insects must contain a total of 4 efficacy studies: 2 in honeybees + 2 in other insect species (1 in each), b) applications for all terrestrial species must now include studies with insects or they will be excluded from the authorisation, c) the duration of the efficacy studies must cover the whole production cycle. NEW ALTERNATIVE PROTEINS ON THE HORIZON? From the regulatory point of view, companies interested in placing a new feed material on the market must first make a registration in the Online Feed Material Registers. The register is periodically reviewed and updated by the EU Feed Chain Task Force composed of representatives of the EU feed business sectors. As part of this process, the Task Force could authorize the incorporation of new protein sources into the Catalogue of feed materials in the next update of this regulation. To date, there are some interesting ingredients in the Online Register that could make it into the Catalogue in the future, such as onion protein, pineapple concentrate (protein-rich), lemna protein, and guar protein concentrate.* PARTNER FOR SUCCESS: NAVIGATING REGULATORY CHALLENGES TOGETHER Securing market authorisation for your product requires navigating a complex regulatory landscape. This can be challenging, but the rewards—healthier, happier, and safer animals—are significant. Taking a proactive and strategic approach is key to overcoming these regulatory hurdles. At Argenta, we understand the importance of tailored support for your unique needs. Our collaborative and knowledgeable team is dedicated to providing the regulatory expertise needed to guide your product to approval. Whether you're developing feed materials or other animal health/nutritional products, our experienced teams in Germany, Spain, and the USA are
ARTICLE Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2024 21 here to support you. We have a proven track record with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the EMA, and national competent authorities in the EU, as well as with the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the USDA in the USA. Let’s work together to ensure your product reaches the market successfully. References 1. Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1104 of 1 July 2022 amending Regulation (EU) No 68/2013 on the Catalogue of feed materials: https://eur-lex.europa. eu/eli/reg/2022/1104/oj 2. Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/893 of 24 May 2017 amending Annexes I and IV to Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Annexes X, XIV and XV to Commission Regulation (EU) No 142/2011 as regards the provisions on processed animal protein: https://eur-lex. europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/893/oj 3. Feed materials register: https://feedmaterialsregister.eu/ 4. Guidance on the assessment of the efficacy of feed additives: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/ pub/8856 5. Regulation (EC) No 767/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 on the placing on the market and use of feed, amending European Parliament and Council Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 and repealing Council Directive 79/373/EEC, Commission Directive 80/511/ EEC, Council Directives 82/471/EEC, 83/228/ EEC, 93/74/EEC, 93/113/EC and 96/25/EC and Commission Decision 2004/217/EC: https://eurlex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX- %3A02009R0767-20181226 *As per Regulation (EC) No 767/2009, ingredients in the online register can be placed on the market but its regulatory status can be revoked at any given time and the consequences will be immediate. Explore our full range of solutions at www.argentaglobal.com An experienced partner for regulatory strategy and submission Healthy Animals. Let’s Make It Happen, Together.
ARTICLE 22 Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2024 "Throughout the world, animal protein producers are seeking alternatives to support their efforts towards a more sustainable feed-to-food chain. For animal feed production, by-products can provide a cost-effective and reliable source of valuable nutrients. However, high moisture content makes these materials sensitive to decomposition and nutrient spoilage by microbes. Treating by-products with Selko Yeast Inhibition solutions for protein extraction is an innovative approach that supports a more circular economy..." By-products from the food and beverage industry are increasingly popular and inexpensive sources of protein, sugars, and fibre compared to the conventional raw materials used in animal feed. Conventional ingredients can fluctuate in price and availability due to weather conditions affecting crop quality and yield. As global demand for animal feed continues to grow, reliance on crops like soybeans, corn and other conventional feed sources leads to environmental challenges, including deforestation, and water and land depletion. Throughout the world, animal protein producers are seeking alternatives to support their efforts towards a more sustainable feed-to-food chain. For animal feed production, by-products can provide a cost-effective and reliable source of valuable nutrients. However, high moisture content makes these materials sensitive to decomposition and nutrient spoilage by microbes. Within hours of production, by-products can significantly deteriorate. To protect that nutritional content, they require a combination of effective on-site treatments that inhibit microbial proliferation, such as drying, ensiling or fermentation. Though effective, these treatments can add expense and increase energy consumption and processing. Since these by-products can be considered waste streams by food and beverage producers the objective is to remove these materials at a low cost. Offering a solution that is more cost-effective and easier to apply – while significantly increasing the shelf-life and maintaining dry matter and nutritional value – provides a key to overcome these challenges. Both brewers’ spent grain (BSG) and dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) – which provide a protein concentration of 16%–22% – are commonly used for animal feed. But they also contain high levels of moisture, which allows for the fast proliferation of mould and yeast when the feed ingredients have not been properly managed or stored. Specific organic acid blends, including Revalet, Selko-SVG, Selko-BE+, and Selko-RSD decreases the pH of ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF PROTEINS FOR ANIMAL FEED: A byproducts preservation and circular economy approach Andrea Lopez Global Product Manager Selko
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