Functional food ingredient manufacturer Beneo has inaugurated a pulse processing plant in Orbigheim, Germany.
The plant will be responsible for the processing of health-promoting pulses such as the faba bean; which will be used to create high-protein, plant-based functional ingredients for human health and animal feed.
This follows China's decision to place 100% tariffs on pea protein imports from Canada, which are almost exclusively processed in the region — leaving room for other plant-based protein solutions to thrive.
There has been an increasing consumer interest in plant-baed protein solutions, with the European Vegetarian Society estimating that plant-based proteins will make up 11% of the overall protein market by 2035.
Beneo's processing plant is situated next to the company's existing site, where it produces Isomalt, a sugar replacement ingredient that has been proven to improve sleep quality and contribute to metabolic regulation.
The 4,000m2 site also produces Palatinose, Beneo's 'smart carbohydrate' ingredient, which has been shown to promote the release of key satiety hormone, GLP-1.
Plant-based proteins will make up 11% of the overall protein market by 2035
~ Estimate by the European Vegetarian Society
According to Beneo, the site is strongly focused on its environmental impact, with all production being powered entirely by renewable energy.
All pulses are also processed without water, meaning less water wastage occurs at the site — while all raw materials are fully used to supply both the food and animal feed industries.
"Beneo's new plant represents a strong commitment to Rhineland-Palatinate as a business hub. commented Daniela Schmitt, Minister of Economic Affairs for Rhineland-Palatinate.
"At the same time, the investment is driving innovation in the food industry and strengthening regional value creation. Future-oriented projects like this secure jobs, promote sustainable economic activity and strengthen rural areas," she added.
“The faba bean is a legume with a long history, and a great potential within the plant-based protein sector. Here in Obrigheim, we will process it into high-quality, plant-based ingredients that will contribute to future-proofed nutrition," stated Niels E. Hower, Member of BENEO’s Executive Board, at the plant's inauguration event.
“Feeding a steadily growing world population in a sustainable way is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges of our generation,’ said Dr Niels Pörksen, CEO of the Südzucker Group.
“By investing into the expansion of our plant-based protein division, we hope to contribute to a healthy and sustainable world."
