Microbial protein holds great potential in the transition towards a more sustainable food system. It offers numerous advantages: it is ecologically sustainable, has low greenhouse gas emissions, requires minimal water and land use, and is economically viable. Furthermore, microbial protein production can convert residual or by-products into valuable proteins, contributing to a circular bioeconomy.

Recognizing this potential, ShapingBio co-organized a session on microbial proteins at a past edition of the Open Food Conference in Leuven, Belgium. This event, coordinated by The ProteInn Club, brought together experts from policy, science, industry, and practice to explore how microbial proteins can shape the future of sustainable food.

The primary aim of the session was to foster synergies among diverse sectors to inspire European and national policies supporting microbial protein innovation. Discussions centered on how European policy can effectively stimulate the development of value chains and industrial implementation of microbial proteins.

Key Highlights

• Current Implementation: Pioneering companies are already utilizing microbial fermentation to produce proteins for food, feed, and fine chemicals at various scales. This approach not only enhances the bio-economy but also aligns with the European Green Deal by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and reducing environmental impact.
  
  
• Challenges Identified: Despite its potential, the sector faces significant regulatory and investment hurdles. Challenges include navigating complex regulations, securing necessary investments for production facilities, and establishing sustainable value chains.
  
  
• Recommendations: To overcome these obstacles, participants emphasized the need for a supportive regulatory environment, increased funding opportunities, and expedited approval processes. These measures are essential to facilitate the integration of microbial proteins into the mainstream food and feed markets, contributing to a circular bio-economy and climate change mitigation.

For a comprehensive understanding of the discussions and policy recommendations, you can read the full report available below.