As the curtain rises on 2025, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on Sylplant’s impressive presence throughout the past year. In its inaugural year, the project made a powerful impact, with partners participating in numerous high-profile conferences and events. These occasions served not only to showcase Sylplant’s groundbreaking work and initial results but also to spark critical conversations about the project’s role in addressing pressing eco-industrial challenges.

From advancing sustainable practices to exploring innovative bio-based solutions, Sylplant has emerged as a key player in driving change.

Let’s take a closer look at the major events that defined 2024.

 

BIOFACH 2024 – February 13–16, Nuremberg, Germany

SylPlant made its mark at BIOFACH 2024, the premier global trade fair for organic food. Represented by partner biozoon GmbH, the project highlighted its innovative contributions to the bioeconomy.

 

ChemTech Invest Day – February, Paris, France

SylPlant took center stage at ChemTech Invest Day, hosted at Bpifrance’s headquarters in Paris. Represented by Bioeconomy For Change at the EU booth, the project showcased its role in Europe’s bioeconomy landscape. The event, dedicated to chemistry-focused startups, provided a prime opportunity to explore funding avenues, foster connections, and highlight the impact of collaborative innovation in the sector.

 

BIOKET 2024 – March 19–21, Reims, France

SylPlant took the spotlight at BIOKET 2024, the international conference on bioeconomy technologies organized by Bioeconomy For Change. At the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking stand, attendees explored funding opportunities and discovered flagship projects, including SylPlant. The event also featured the premiere of SylPlant’s official video and showcased innovative protein ingredients developed by Arbiom.

 

Fish Nutrition Workshop – Wageningen, Netherlands

SylPlant was represented at the Fish Nutrition Workshop, a key gathering for the aquafeed industry. BioMar’s Maja Erichsen presented research on single-cell proteins in Atlantic salmon farming, highlighting SylPlant’s contributions to sustainability and fish performance.

 

SIA 2024 – March, Paris, France

SylPlant took the stage at SIA 2024, hosted by La Ferme Digitale, with a conference on scaling sustainable protein production. Arbiom’s Marc Chevrel and Charles-Henri Nicolas shared insights on advancing yeast fermentation from proof of concept to industrialization.

 

The Big Meet & Gastronord – April, Stockholm, Sweden

Arbiom represented SylPlant at The Big Meet & Gastronord, a leading food innovation event in Stockholm, following its #43 ranking in the 2023 FoodTech 500. The spotlight was on Yusto, Arbiom’s yeast-based protein ingredient, as chefs at the Test Kitchen incorporated it into inventive dishes—enhancing a zero-waste salad with an umami-rich dressing and adding depth to a vegetarian stew.

 

Interzoo 2024 – May 7–10, Nuremberg, Germany

SylPlant made its mark at Interzoo 2024, the world’s leading pet industry trade fair, with Amélie Drouault and Lucile Ducouret from Arbiom’s business team representing the project. They introduced SylPro, Arbiom’s sustainable yeast protein ingredient, and engaged with industry professionals on the future of pet nutrition.

 

General Assembly – Paris, France

SylPlant’s partners convened in Paris for the project’s first in-person General Assembly since its launch in June 2023. The two-day event provided a chance to review progress, discuss completed tasks, and hold workshops on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and communication strategies. As the project nears its first-year mark, the assembly set the stage for future steps and reinforced the commitment to advancing SylPlant’s goals.

 

Marc Chevrel Discusses SylPlant on La Tribune – May 15, 2024

Marc Chevrel, CEO of Arbiom, shared insights on La Tribune about the SylPlant project and its role in sustainable food technology. He discussed the development of a state-of-the-art facility in southern Lyon for large-scale production of protein-rich ingredients, positioning SylPlant as a leader in sustainable protein sources.

You can also catch the interview on La Tribune’s website: https://bourse.latribune.fr/webfg/articles/la-matinale-de-l-entrepreneur/arbiom-marc-chevrel-reussir-la-transition-alimentaire–16782529.html?autoplay=1

 

Viva Tech – June, Paris, France

In June 2024, , Arbiom showcased the SylPlant project at VivaTech in Paris, held at the La French Tech Grand Paris village. The event, one of Europe’s largest tech conferences, provided a platform for discussing innovation in sustainable food systems. Arbiom’s team, including Marc Chevrel and Amélie Drouault, engaged visitors on the role of alternative proteins in future nutrition. A highlight was the visit from France’s Minister of Agriculture, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, who heard Marc Chevrel’s presentation on global food security and sustainability challenges.

 

EUBCE 2024 – June, Marseille, France

In April 2024, the SylPlant project was featured at the EUBCE in Marseille, where sustainability and biomass utilization were key themes. Charles-Henri Nicolas and Nils Rettenmaier represented SylPlant, with Nicolas presenting on yeast fermentation’s role in sustainable protein production. Rettenmaier discussed the importance of unconventional product applications for enhancing sustainability.

 

Aqua 2024 – August, Copenhagen, Denmark

SylPlant took center stage at Aqua 2024 in Copenhagen, a leading event for the aquaculture industry. Maja Erichsen, R&D Junior Scientist at BioMar, presented on the use of Torula yeast as a sustainable alternative for post-smolt Atlantic Salmon diets. Her research highlighted how this ingredient reduces reliance on soy protein, advancing sustainability in aquaculture feeds.

 

Protéines France Members Day – September, Amiens, France

SylPlant was showcased at the Protéines France Members Day in Amiens, a key event for the French protein sector. Madeleine de Colnet from Bioeconomy For Change presented on the growing importance of alternative proteins, highlighting SylPlant’s role in this shift. The event also offered Protéines France members the chance to visit industrial sites and participate in workshops focused on protein innovation.

 

SIAL Paris 2024 – October, Paris, France

Arbiom showcased Yusto at the SIAL Paris exhibition, unveiling a fresh packaging design for its innovative yeast-based product. Visitors were introduced to Yusto’s potential in cooking, generating excitement for its role as an alternative protein. Arbiom was also selected as one of 16 finalists in the SIAL Innovation contest, competing against over 2,000 products for the Public Choice Award. Chef Marion ESTEVE from the Institut Lyfe Research delighted attendees with Yusto-based recipes, highlighting its culinary versatility.

 

Forest-Wood Industry Innovation Day – November 7, Paris, France

Arbiom participated in the Forest-Wood Industry Innovation Day at Bpifrance in Paris. Charles-Henri Nicolas, Project Director at Arbiom, joined Round Table 4 on “Wood: A Material with Numerous Applications.” Organized by Xylofutur, the event brought together leaders from the forest-wood sector to explore innovations in bioeconomy, circular economy, and climate adaptation.

 

Greener Manufacturing Conference – November 13–14, Cologne, Germany

At the Greener Manufacturing Conference & Expo 2024, SylPlant was featured at the CBE JU booth alongside nine other innovative projects. Bioeconomy For Change, the project’s communication leader, showcased Yusto and SylPro, yeast-derived protein ingredients for food and feed.

 

European Commission Workshop – November 12, Brussels, Belgium

Charles-Henri Nicolas, Project Director at Arbiom, participated in the European Commission’s workshop on bio-based innovations in the food industry, focusing on fermentation. The workshop explored the potential of biomass, precision, and gas fermentation in scaling sustainable food production. Discussions covered market development, public acceptance, and scaling strategies, offering key insights into the future of bio-based food solutions.

 

SylPlant at Food Paradigm – December 2024

On December 2, 2024, Arbiom took center stage at STATION F in Paris for the Food Paradigm event, organized by EIT Food and ShakeUp Factory. SylPlant was proudly featured at the event, with a dedicated stand presented by Arbiom. The showcase highlighted SylPlant’s groundbreaking approach to transforming natural resources into sustainable food ingredients, focusing on Yusto®, an alternative protein poised to reshape the future of food.

 

To conclude, the project gained widespread attention at major industry events, including BIOFACH and SIAL Paris, where it showcased groundbreaking protein products. It also made waves in aquaculture and biomanufacturing at events like Aqua 2024 and the Greener Manufacturing Conference, positioning itself at the heart of industry conversations. A standout achievement was the launch of Yusto®, a yeast-based protein that is set to revolutionize food production. SylPlant’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and cross-sector collaboration has firmly established it as a leader in the bioeconomy.

 

Arbiom has chosen to establish its SylPlant project on the GIE OSIRIS ROUSSILLON platform, a decision driven by a comprehensive techno-economic and environmental analysis. The Roches-Roussillon site, recognized for its excellence in renewable economy, food, and health industries, offers numerous advantages that align perfectly with Arbiom’s goals.

 

A Strong Commitment to Decarbonization

Since 1999, the Roches-Roussillon platform has established itself as a center of industrial excellence, focusing on renewable economy, food, and health. This platform brings together leading players such as:

• Dehon Group for refrigerant fluid recirculation
• Adisseo for methionine production
• Ecoat for bio-based paint binders
• Pili for fermentation-based bio-sourced dyes
• Elyse Energy for e-methanol production from CO2
• SEQENS for paracetamol production
• And soon, Arbiom for alternative proteins.

The platform is deeply committed to reducing its carbon footprint. Since 2023, it has closed its coal-fired plant and switched to waste valorization and biomass for steam production. The rail connection and proximity to the Rhône further reduce CO2 emissions from transportation.

 

Advantages of Setting Up on the Platform

Arbiom believes that the future of production lies in industrial ecosystems where production units share services and valorize by-products. In France, platforms like GIE OSIRIS ROUSSILLON and Pomacle-Bazencourt exemplify this approach.

Arbiom’s decision to locate its SylPlant project on this platform brings several key benefits:

• Centralized Utilities: Distribution of steam, process water, gas, air, and wastewater is centralized, allowing Arbiom to focus on its core activities.
• Reduced Capital Expenditures (CAPEX): Existing infrastructure, such as roads, fences, and changing rooms, minimizes the need for new investments.
• Redevelopable Industrial Land: Availability of land for expansion on an already developed site.
• Diverse Transportation Options: Accessibility through various transportation modes, including public transport.
• Technical Support: Assistance with technical issues related to implementation and scale-up, crucial for an industrial start-up.
• Synergies for By-products: Potential to valorize by-products through partnerships with other industries on the platform.
• Favorable Regulatory Environment: Local administrations are well-prepared to handle industrial issues, streamlining administrative procedures.
• Qualified Workforce: Proximity to skilled labor and local training programs.

 

Towards a Sustainable Bioeconomy

Strengthening industrial activity and developing sites like GIE OSIRIS ROUSSILLON is essential for reindustrialization. This approach minimizes land use while reinforcing industrial activities, creating a favorable environment for the emergence of a sustainable bioeconomy.

With the experience of industrial experts and the numerous synergies possible on this platform, Arbiom is confident in the success of its SylPlant project at Roches-Roussillon. Together, we move towards a greener and more efficient industry.

Did you know that the SylPlant project, a key player in sustainable food production, owes its origins to a European project?

SylPlant is built on the success of SYLFEED, a four-year initiative funded by the Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU), a predecessor of CBE JU. This project allowed Arbiom to successfully scale up its innovative technology and validate the performance of its flagship ingredient, SylPro®.

 

The SYLFEED Project: A Collaborative Foundation

Launched in 2017, the SYLFEED project brought together 10 leading organizations from across Europe. Supported by the European Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking under the Horizon 2020 program, this ambitious partnership was spearheaded by Arbiom, with the aim of transforming underutilized bio-based feedstocks, such as wood waste, into valuable applications. The project’s primary achievement was the creation of SylPro, a protein-rich ingredient designed for use in animal and aqua feed.

The SYLFEED partnership involved key players from every stage of the value chain. This collaboration included companies and research institutions such as Norske Skog Golbey for biomass sourcing, Prayon, Rise Processum, Bioprocess Pilot Facility, and Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant for biomass fractionation and conversion, as well as Laxá, Matís, and Skretting for fish feed formulation and manufacturing.

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) conducted by NORSUS demonstrated that SylPro offered an environmentally sustainable alternative to other protein sources. This assessment highlighted the potential of Arbiom’s Wood to Food process to reduce Europe’s reliance on traditional protein sources and contribute to closing the protein gap sustainably.

 

Bridging the Protein Gap with Innovative Bioprocessing

The success of SYLFEED is rooted in Arbiom’s groundbreaking technology, which offers a novel solution to Europe’s growing protein demand. By transforming abundant, undervalued biomass, like wood residues, into high-quality, scalable, and traceable protein, Arbiom’s Wood to Food platform stands out as a sustainable option for the future of food production.

Charles-Henri Nicolas, VP Demo Program for Arbiom, emphasized the collaborative effort behind this breakthrough:

“The project’s success is a testament to the collaboration and diverse expertise contributed by our partners in the SYLFEED project. Leaders from across the ‘Wood to Food’ value chain came together with a common vision and commitment to success.”

The SylPro protein offers a sustainable and local solution to the increasing demand for protein, without depleting natural resources or harming ecosystems. This innovation also opens doors for the food and feed industries to source more ethical and environmentally friendly ingredients.

 

A Vision for Sustainable Food Systems

Marc Chevrel, former CEO of Arbiom, highlighted the broader impact of the project, stating:

“We believe the Wood to Food technology platform represents a game-changing solution to expand food production potential without harming ecosystems or consuming more limited resources. By bringing wood and other undervalued biomass into the food chain, we are addressing sustainability challenges in Europe.”

The collaborative efforts of SYLFEED partners have laid the groundwork for further innovations, like SylPlant, which continue to push the boundaries of biobased solutions for nutrition and sustainability.

As Pilar Llorente Ruiz De Azua, Project Officer for BBI JU, noted:

“We applaud the work and achievements of the SYLFEED Project partners, and their contributions to a healthy, sustainable future food system in Europe, and worldwide.”

 

Scaling Up Innovation: How Sylfeed Laid the Foundation for the SylPlant Project

Building on the success of the Sylfeed project, SylPlant continues to break new ground in sustainable food and feed production. This ambitious European collaborative project brings together 17 partners from across the entire food and feed value chain, including feedstock manufacturers, processors, and retailers. Co-funded by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU)—a public-private partnership between the European Commission and the Bio-based Industries Consortium—SylPlant is poised to revolutionize protein production on a larger scale.

Marc Chevrel, CEO of Arbiom, highlighted the scale and impact of SylPlant’s next phase:

“This factory paves the way for Arbiom’s industrial deployment. It will bring 10,000 tons/year of alternative, highly nutritional, and sustainable protein to the market to address future food needs.”

Over the next three years, the SylPlant consortium will focus on several key objectives:

1. Constructing and Operating Arbiom’s First Plant
   The project’s centerpiece will be Arbiom’s first commercial-scale plant in France, capable of producing 10,000 tons per year of SylPro®, a sustainable, protein-rich ingredient.
2. Validating SylPro® for Feed Applications
   The consortium will work to validate the use of SylPro® in various feed applications, including aquafeed and pet food. In addition, they will gather consumer insights to ensure that the product meets market expectations.
3. Developing the Next Generation of Foods
   SylPlant will also explore new horizons by developing innovative food products, such as cheese and meat analogs, as well as specialized nutrition solutions, all made with Arbiom’s SylPro® ingredient.

By scaling up production and diversifying the applications of SylPro®, SylPlant is set to play a key role in addressing Europe’s growing demand for sustainable, alternative protein sources. This initiative not only aligns with global food sustainability goals but also demonstrates the power of European collaboration in driving bio-based innovations forward.

With 10,000 tons/year of sustainable protein set to enter the market, SylPlant is positioned to transform the future of food and feed systems in Europe and beyond.

Towards sustainable eating: Europe’s path to protein independence

Protein production in Europe stands at the crossroads of several strategic challenges: food security, environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, economic and social resilience. Today, Europe faces a structural dependency on protein imports.

Could a new approach to protein production hold the key to Europe’s food autonomy?

 

Sustainable food autonomy

The European Union consumes around 71 million tons of raw protein[1] annually to feed its livestock, yet the agricultural capacities permit to produce only 24% of this amount locally. Those proteins (as soy) are imported from South America. This heavy reliance exposes Europe to risks such as price fluctuations related to international markets, geopolitical crisis, and disruptions in supply chains. Recent global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukrainian war, have highlighted the vulnerability of global supply networks, underscoring the urgent need for the EU to enhance its food sovereignty by investing in more resilient solutions.

 

Rethinking European agriculture

The massive imports of proteins, particularly soy, come at an unsustainable environmental cost. In South America, the expansion of soy monocultures, a major driver of deforestation in the Amazon, devastates unique ecosystems, accelerates biodiversity loss, and exacerbates climate change. More globally, the ecological footprint of meat production is equally concerning: intensive animal production generates massive greenhouse gas emissions, pollutes soils with excess nitrogen, and pushes our ecosystems to the brink.

 

Energy efficiency and carbon Footprint reduction

Animal protein production, especially beef, is among the most energy-intensive and carbon-heavy agricultural practices. In fact, it now accounts for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the transport sector and places a heavy burden on the agricultural climate balance. Adding to this is the production of grains and soy for livestock feed, which requires enormous amounts of energy not only for cultivation but also for transporting raw materials across the globe.

 

Health and well-being

Diet plays a crucial role in this transformation. In Europe, the consumption of animal proteins far exceeds recommended levels, leading to adverse public health consequences, including an increase in cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Paradoxically, the consumption of plant proteins has declined in recent decades, despite their well-documented health benefits.

 

Towards sustainable eating: blending plant-based alternatives and protein innovation in Europe

As Europe embarks on a quest to renew its model of protein production and consumption, plant-based proteins — such as peas, lentils, and soy — are emerging as both a sustainable and promising solution for the future. Less demanding in terms of land, water, and energy than their animal counterparts, these proteins stand out for their ability to generate significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. Their integration into our diets is not just a trend; it is positioned as an essential strategy for mitigating the carbon footprint of the European food system.

 

Economic and social potential of plant proteins

From an economic perspective, the development of plant protein crops presents a outstanding opportunity for the European market: by intensifying investments in research and innovation, the EU can not only support the local production of protein crops but also invigorate the agricultural sector. This strategy could further bolster the agri-food industry and create local jobs. Moreover, it encourages healthier plant-based diets, thereby reducing public health costs associated with excessive red meat consumption.

Socially, the transition towards a diet focused more on plant proteins addresses consumers’ growing concerns about health, animal welfare, and sustainability. This shift in dietary habits and societal values reflects a heightened awareness among citizens, prompting them to consider more balanced and sustainable dietary choices.

 

Faced with increasing challenges related to food security, public health, and the environment, can Europe genuinely consider a transition towards alternatives to animal proteins that blend sustainability and innovation?

While the European Union does not suffer from a protein shortage, alternatives to conventional animal proteins are gaining importance in addressing health, nutrition, and sustainability challenges. These alternatives fall into three main categories:

• Plant-Based alternatives: Proteins derived from plants, designed to replace animal proteins.
• Alternative proteins: It includes ingredients well-established in other regions of the world, such as algae and insects, that are just beginning to make their way into Europe. It also includes proteins generated by microbial fermentation, as Yusto and SylPro.
• Cultured of cultivated meat: Emerging from recent innovations, these include meat grown in a laboratory with stem cells from animals —an ethical and technological revolution in the food landscape.

 

 

[1]  European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Hristov, J., Tassinari, G., Himics, M., Beber, C., Barbosa, A., Isbasoiu, A., Klinnert, A., Kremmydas, D., Tillie, P., & Fellmann, T. (2024). Closing the EU protein gap – drivers, synergies, and trade-offs. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union. doi:10.2760/84255, JRC137180.

The SylPlant project held its 1st General Meeting on April 23^rd and 24^th in Paris. This event was the opportunity for project’s partners to exchange on the past progresses and prepare the next steps. To know more about it, check the content below!

The General Assembly was organized by our coordinator Arbiom in Paris on April 23^rd and 24^th. This significant 2-days together marked our first in-person meeting since the project’s kick-off in June 2023, offering a valuable opportunity for all partners to discuss the overall progress of SylPlant and the next steps coming.

The first meeting day was dedicated to presentations led by the 9 work package leaders to discuss the work performed for the different project tasks, milestones and deliverables. Each of those partner had a 30-minute time slot to present their slides to update the consortium members and answer their questions.

The General assembly represents the perfect occasion to organize workshops to gather partners’ perspectives on different subjects. Heiko Keller and Hanna Karg from IFEU conducted a workshop on life cycle assessment. Marine Bellon from B4C organized a workshop on the project’s communication strategies, where she explained the insights of social media algorithms and so provided partners with key insights to enhance the effectiveness of their efforts and boost the reach of our social media content.

The first day ended with a business dinner in Paris, providing partners with an opportunity to share a convivial time. Members of SylPlant met again the following day in Arbiom’s office to attend thematic sessions and meetings.

Proud of the work already performed, the consortium is looking forward to continuing its journey toward the opening of Arbiom’s first large-scale biorefinery.

Special thanks to Arbiom team for their exceptional organization of this event.

Stay tuned on SylPlant’s social media to be updated on the project’s news and results as we are approaching the end of the first year of collaboration.

The SylPlant project proudly unveiled its first official video at the bioeconomy conference BIOKET in Reims, followed by a presentation at the project’s General Assembly in Paris. This dynamic motion design video provides a comprehensive overview of the SylPlant project, highlighting its pivotal role in advancing sustainable protein production in Europe.

This 2-min motion design video showcases the SylPlant project’s applications, impacts, and how a collaborative consortium is essential for its success. The video highlights how the SylPlant project aims to build and operate a pioneering biorefinery that transforms sugars derived from agricultural and wood by-products into protein-rich ingredients through yeast fermentation for the food and feed markets. This flagship plant will reach an annual production of 10.000 tons of ingredients per year at full capacity to meet the growing demand for natural, high-quality, and sustainable food products in the market. The project brings together 17 European partners spanning the entire food and feed value chain, ranging from feedstocks manufacturers to retailers.

The video introduces key facts and statistics about the state of protein production in Europe, focusing on sustainability issues within the value chain. It reveals that 75% of protein sources used in animal nutrition is imported, contributing to 30% of total greenhouse gas emissions. This underscores the urgent need for a new production approach. The video then explains the concept and objectives of SylPlant, focusing on the plant’s construction. Beyond this, it provides insight of the consortium’s collaborative approach, and the benefits of partnering with stakeholders across the entire value chain to bring Yusto and SylPro to the market.

This motion design was looping on screens at the BIOKET bioeconomy conference in March on the CBE JU stand showcasing the French CBE JU Flagships. It was then premiered in front of all the project partners at the General Assembly in Paris in April. It was finally published on SylPlant’s website, social media, and YouTube Channel the week after the General Assembly.

Interested by the project? Follow the SylPlant’s LinkedIn page to stay informed on its progress and receive updates on the latest developments.

Following the launch of the SylPlant project, we are pleased to introduce its dedicated website, complementing our LinkedIn page and various communication materials.

The European SylPlant project partners are proud to announce the launch of their website. It is designed to provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the project, showcasing its core concept, objectives, applications, and the pivotal roles played by each partner.

On this website you will find information about the project, its objectives, the work plans, and the project’s expected impacts. You can read information regarding each partner and the global consortium, and have access to our news and our public documents, such as press releases and press articles focusing on the SylPlant project.

You can also explore our engaging flyer and informative roll-up, both available on the website. These materials provide an in-depth exploration of the project, offering insights into the project’s value chain, objectives, applications, and key elements.

Interested by the project? Follow the SylPlant’s project LinkedIn page to stay tuned to its progress and receive updates on the latest developments.

The SylPlant project was officially launched in June 2023. Its kick-off meeting took place in Paris, at Arbiom’s head office, with presentation from partners.

The SylPlant project, focusing on the production of highly nutritional and sustainable protein-rich ingredients, was officially launched on June 14^th, 2023, in Paris. During the meeting, partners met in Arbiom’s headquarters in Paris for a two-day kick-off. Each project’s Work Package leader made a 30-minute presentation to introduce their roles, objectives, and action plan for the following years of the project.

This first meeting came as an opportunity for all partners to meet face to face and spend time together, marking the beginning of the project. Presentations covered a large range of topics, touching on every aspect of the protein-rich ingredient value chain from biomass feedstock sourcing to food and feed market applications, including essential tasks like plant construction and regulatory considerations. These aspects are crucial for the overall success of the project and the future collaboration of the partners.

The next meeting for the SylPlant project will be the first General Assembly of the project and will take place in April 2024.

 

A wide and dynamic consortium

Arbiom is leading this ambitious initiative, which has brought together 17 partners from four different countries. These partners encompass a large range of stakeholders, covering the whole value chain of protein-rich ingredients production, from raw materials sourcing to final consumer insight analysis. They include small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) such as  Biozoon GmbH, Centiv GmbH, Fibenol, PNO Consultants and SATT Sayens, as well as four major companies:  Agromousquetaires (through three entities), Bel, Biomar, and Normandise Pet Food. Collaborating with these businesses, the project also involves two research organizations, Lyfe Institute (formerly Institut Paul Bocuse) and IFEU – Institute for Energy and Environmental Research Heidelberg, alongside the laboratory Eurofins and the innovation cluster Bioeconomy for Change.

 

Interested by the project? Follow the SylPlant’s project LinkedIn page to stay tuned to its progress and receive updates on the latest developments.

 

 

SylPlant partners gathered all together for a kick-off meeting on June 14^th, 2023.

The SylPlant project, which brings together 17 key European actors of the bioeconomy, was successfully launched in June 2023 in Paris. The kick-off meeting was the opportunity for the partners to meet in person and discuss the main tasks that will be managed over the next 3 years.

The project aims to build and operate Arbiom’s first of its kind factory to produce the new generation of sustainable protein-rich ingredients for food and feed applications. This flagship plant will reach an annual production of 10,000 tons of Yusto^© (for food) and SylPro^© (for feed), to meet the growing demand for natural, high-quality ingredients in the market.

The partners are spanning the entire food and feed value chain, ranging from feedstocks manufacturers to retailers. Applications will target various markets such as meat and dairy analogs for food, petfood and aquafeed for animal nutrition.

Duration: 36 months (2023 – 2026)

Total budget: € 23M

The project will last three years, from June 2023 to May 2026, and has a total budget cost of 23 million euros. SylPlant is funded with 14 million euros grant from the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU)  under grant agreement No 101112555. CBE JU is a public-private partnership between the European Union and the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC), an organization that connects large and small/medium enterprises, research institutions, universities and public and private bodies at European level involved in the development of the circular bioeconomy.

The primary objective of the SylPlant project is to establish a pioneering production plant near Lyon (France), to create proteins ingredients from different kinds of feedstocks. This entails the conversion of sustainable sugars, agricultural side streams, and wood by-products into sustainable, high-quality, and tasty protein-rich ingredients. The consortium aims to achieve the building of the plant to reach an annual production of 10,000 tons of ingredients.

 

Towards a sustainable protein production

This innovative approach to build the future of protein-rich ingredients production addresses several socio-environmental challenges:

• The growing demand for non-animal sourced protein in food products
• The current European Union protein importation: 3/4 of the animal feed protein resources needed are imported, which intensifies pressure on natural resources, and leads to significant greenhouse gas emissions.

The SylPlant project represents a significant step toward the shift from traditional protein to locally produced sustainable alternative proteins. This transition aims to reduce the EU’s reliance on imports. Ultimately, the SylPlant project has the objective to produce protein ingredients and derivatives with minimal environmental impact, thereby contributing to the local and European economy and enhancing competitiveness. It also seeks to promote public awareness and acceptance of bio-based solutions.

 

An ambitious flagship

SylPlant follows the successful Sylfeed project, a four-year project funded by the Bio-based Industry Joint Undertaking (BBI JU), in which Arbiom effectively scaled up its technology and demonstrated the value of its protein-rich ingredients.

With well-established products, this project coupled with the financial support from CBE JU, is a distinctive opportunity to shift from development and lay the foundation for large-scale industrial production under high-quality standards. This transition enables the ingredients to finally meet market demands. It therefore makes SylPlant a pivotal milestone in the process of bringing SylPro^© and Yusto^© to the market.

Interested by the project? Follow the SylPlant’s project LinkedIn page to stay tuned to its progress and receive updates on the latest developments.

Read the press release