Major food company and leader in protein production Tyson Foods is looking into insect protein with Protix, a leading global insect ingredients company. The two-fold investment with Protix will focus on harnessing insect-derived solutions to produce more sustainable protein and lipids for use in the global food system.
The terms of the collaboration involve a dual investment approach. Firstly, Tyson Foods will obtain a minority share in Protix, facilitating the latter’s worldwide growth. Additionally, a joint venture has been set in motion to establish and manage the first at-scale facility of its kind dedicated to insect ingredient production in the US.
This forthcoming facility aims to transform food manufacturing residuals into high-quality insect-based proteins and lipids. Primary industries targeted for these products include pet food, aquaculture, and livestock feed.
“Our partnership with Protix represents the latest strategic investment by Tyson Foods in groundbreaking solutions that drive added value to Tyson Foods’ business,” Tyson CEO John R. Tyson said. “The insect lifecycle provides the opportunity for full circularity within our value chain, strengthening our commitment to building a more sustainable food system for the future.”
Utilizing insect protein in the global food system
Insect farming offers a sustainable alternative for ecosystems, primarily due to its efficient feed conversion and reduced resource demands compared to traditional livestock. By consuming less water, occupying smaller land footprints, and producing minimal greenhouse gases, insect protein can alleviate pressures on environmental resources and contribute to a more balanced ecological footprint.
Both Tyson Foods and Protix are aiming to take advantage of this cheaper and more efficient practice. The upcoming facility’s comprehensive system will cater to all facets of insect protein creation, from breeding and incubation to the eventual hatching of larvae. The processed larvae could also find applications in both livestock and plant feed sectors.
Currently, Protix runs a facility in the Netherlands, operational since 2019. Here, they handle approximately 14,000 metric tons of larvae annually, catering to key players in the pet food, aquaculture, livestock feed, and organic fertilizer industries, as the global call for insect ingredients sees an upward trend.
“We are very excited to announce the next step in our international growth strategy,” said Kees Aarts, Protix CEO. “Tyson Foods’ and Protix’s strategic partnership advances our joint work towards creating high-quality, more sustainable protein using innovative technology and solutions. Moreover, we can immediately use their existing byproducts as feedstock for our insects.
“This agreement is a major milestone for Protix and significantly accelerates our ambition to grow through international partnerships.”
Comments 1