Member Article

Biotech facility launched on Teesside to tackle world's protein demand

USA-based Calysta has officially opened a plant on Teesside which will help to address the world’s growing protein demand through the use of technology.

The sustainability firm has chosen Redcar as the base for its facility to manufacture sample quantities of FeedKind® protein, a new fish and animal feed ingredient targeted at replacing fishmeal.

Produced using the world’s only commercially validated gas fermentation process, FeedKind protein is a natural, traceable and safe non-animal source of protein.

Bringing a wealth of investment and employment opportunities to the region, the facility will become fully operational in around a month’s time.

Anna Turley, Member of Parliament for Redcar, officially opened the facility adjacent to the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI). She was joined by Dr. Shaw and Nigel Perry, CEO of CPI.

The plant is supported by a conditional Exceptional Regional Growth Fund (EGRF) award and represents a total potential investment of £30m. When completed, the facility is expected to provide employment for 35 to 40 people.

Anna Turley MP said: “It was an honour to open Calysta’s market introduction facility today. As well as generating investment and employment in Teesside, this facility puts the UK at the forefront of the race to address the world’s growing protein demand with novel technologies.

“I am really pleased that Calysta has chosen to base their biotech project here and look forward to seeing the facility develop further.”

The official opening at the Wilton Centre was followed by a conference hosted by Calysta to discuss the increasing worldwide demand for fish protein, traceability and sustainability.

Earlier this year Calysta partnered with Cargill for production of FeedKind protein in North America and entered into a global joint marketing agreement. A world scale plant is expected to open in the United States by 2018.

Alan Shaw, Ph.D, Calysta President and CEO, said: “The opening of this plant represents the end of a decade of development and heralds a new era in the race to sustainably feed the world’s growing population.

“By 2050 the global population is expected to rise from 7.4 billion today to 9.6 billion and require 70 per cent more protein than is currently available.

“Calysta can help meet this need by supplying the aquaculture industry with a naturally produced, sustainable and traceable feed alternative to replace conventional ingredients based on fishmeal and soya. Calysta’s proprietary technology enables retailers and consumers to have increased confidence in the integrity of their food.

“Our first focus is the salmon farming industry and we were very pleased to welcome representatives from a number of key producers today. FeedKind protein has been shown to improve growth rates, nitrogen retention and gut health in Atlantic salmon.”

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