Project description
Packing microalgae protein in foods and feeds
Microalgae are a valuable source of protein-rich elements for healthy food and feed products that limit energy and water consumption. However, production and processing costs of microalgal biomass are still high. Advanced technologies are needed to augment productiveness and lower costs. The EU-funded ProFuture project will evaluate advanced systems to produce single-cell proteins and protein isolates that are characterised for their nutritional effects and their economic sustainability. Single-cell proteins will be incorporated in foods and feed produced at an industrial level. The project will appraise the microalgae value chain in the EU and propose amelioration solutions to increase the competitiveness of the sector. Market uptake will be expanded via optimised dissemination and implementation plans.
Objective
ProFuture will set the basis for market uptake of innovative, healthy and sustainable food and feed products, reformulated with protein-rich ingredients from Spirulina, Lemon/lightly/Chlorella vulgaris, Tetraselmis chuii and Nannochloropsis oceanica. Multi-factors approach and LCA/LCC will boost sustainability of the microalgal biomass production and processing, by reducing energy/water consumption and the carbon footprint. Implementation of innovative technologies will increase the efficiency and decrease the production costs of biomass, ingredients and foods/feeds. Optimized workflows will be tested at pilot plant, as part of a biorefinery process, to produce single-cell proteins and protein isolates, which will be characterized for their nutritional, safety, techno-functional and organoleptic properties as well as for economic viability & sustainability. Food and feed will be formulated with the novel ingredients at pilot plant level in collaboration with SME and large companies. Single-cell proteins will be incorporated in foods (n=6) and feeds (n=5) which will be produced at industrial scale. The food/feed microalgae value chain in EU will be analysed and improvements will be proposed to increase the economic viability and the communication between actors. Social and economic benefits of innovative food and feed products will be demonstrated by: i) supporting the authorization of novel microalgae protein ingredients for food and/or feed applications in the EU, ii) assessing consumer acceptance of and preference for microalgae protein-based products, iii) preparing a successful market implementation and exploitation of the project results and iv) devising a dissemination and communication plan for maximum outreach to all relevant stakeholders. ProFuture consortium (8 RTDs, 16 SMEs, 8 large industries and 1 association) brings together expertise with a clear market orientation to increase the competitiveness of the EU microalgae value chain.
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
- H2020-EU.3.2. - SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime and inland water research, and the bioeconomy Main Programme
- H2020-EU.3.2.1.1. - Increasing production efficiency and coping with climate change, while ensuring sustainability and resilience
- H2020-EU.3.2.2.3. - A sustainable and competitive agri-food industry
- H2020-EU.3.2.2.2. - Healthy and safe foods and diets for all
Funding Scheme
IA - Innovation actionCoordinator
08140 Caldes De Montbui Barcelona
Spain
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Participants (32)
49610 Quakenbruck
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6708 PB Wageningen
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9820 Merelbeke
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9000 Gent
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7522 NB Enschede
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1150 Wien
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5838 Bergen
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8700 152 OLHAO
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
2445-413 Pataias
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8005-139 Faro
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44410 Asserac
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
1400CA Bussum
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22869 Schenefeld
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
25023 Gottolengo
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2520 452 Peniche
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1566 SAINT-AUBIN
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20149 Milano
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31330 Navarra
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Legal entity other than a subcontractor which is affiliated or legally linked to a participant. The entity carries out work under the conditions laid down in the Grant Agreement, supplies goods or provides services for the action, but did not sign the Grant Agreement. A third party abides by the rules applicable to its related participant under the Grant Agreement with regard to eligibility of costs and control of expenditure.
26315 Aleson La Rioja
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9031 Drongen
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9200 Dendermonde
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2370 Dabas
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
40033 Casalecchio Di Reno
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40280 Haut-Mauco
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00149 ROMA
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
51010 Tartu
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
80805 MUNCHEN
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
104 42 Athens
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
8200 SCHAFFHAUSEN
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
Participation ended
3723 RC Bilthoven
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
1040 BRUXELLES
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3723BC Bilthoven
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.