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

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.