New pilot plant in Geleen to produce sustainable protein for animal feed

The impact of feed imports is one of the big topics in the debate around environmentally friendly agriculture. The search for more sustainable alternatives to traditional feed is therefore in full swing. The British-Dutch biotech company Deep Branch is a scale-up that uses technology to produce proteins for animal feed in which CO2 emissions are reduced by up to ninety percent. They are building a new pilot plant at Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Geleen in the near future.

Fishmeal and soy

Peter Rowe, co-founder and CEO of Deep Branch, explains: "Farmed fish and poultry in Europe are mainly fed fishmeal and soy, mainly from South America. That is not at all sustainable. In order to make fishmeal, the seas have to be emptied of fish. And in order to grow soya, parts of the rain forest have to be destroyed. Moreover, the transport of these proteins is a burden on the environment. We can use CO2, water, hydrogen and micro-organisms to make high-quality proteins that are specifically suitable as raw materials for cattle feed. A process that reduces CO₂ emissions by more than 90 percent compared to currently used protein sources."

Subsidy

The technology has now proven itself in the laboratory and on a smaller scale. Reason for Deep Branch to scale up now. Recently Deep Branch received a grant of 2.5 million euros from the EIC Accelerator, part of the European Innovation Council. With this money, the company will build a pilot plant in building 55 on the Chemelot Campus.

The company chose to locate on the Chemelot Campus after an earlier search in England. "On the Chemelot Campus we really find everything we need. This campus has all the facilities including infrastructure and permits, a lot of expertise in the field of chemical processes, expert people and sustainable ambitions," said Peter Rowe.

Right recipes

The pilot plant is essential for Deep Branch to find the right recipes for 'Proton', as the new nutrient is called. The process uses microorganisms to convert carbon dioxide emissions from industry into a nutrient-rich protein. Enthusiasts can read more about how that works here.

The plant is expected to be commissioned in the second quarter of next year. The proteins will be used in salmon and chicken feed from BioMar and AB Agri, two leading European market players in animal nutrition.

More innovations around animal feed

Would you like to read more about sustainable alternatives to traditional animal feed? Then check out these articles:

• Feed from residual streams halves CO2 emissions
• New DSM powder reduces methane emissions from cows
• Animal-food-sector-in search-of-regional-resources
• Peter van Paridon on Grassa's innovative products

Source: De Limburger