A new Polish biotechnology company now produces rapeseed protein, thus promoting zero-waste production. This is a revolutionary innovation when it comes to sustainability.
New technology from the Polish biotechnology company NapiFeryn BioTech enables companies that process rapeseed oil to recycle the speed of production and make it a premium protein powder.
The protein powder is neutral in taste and manageable, so it is realistic that it can be a good and competitive option as a protein source in the future. The FutureKitchen project. led by Matís and funded by EIT food, is based on the concept of infotainment and seeks to mobilize young people in conversations about food, technology and innovation through play and education. The accompanying video shows how this new technology in rapeseed protein production works in virtual reality.
Magdalena Kozlowska, CEO of NapiFeryn BioTech says she expects rapeseed protein to be available in stores in 2022. She says the company needs time to adapt the technology and processes within the company to industry requirements, as well as customers having time to expand the range of protein products. . At present, however, they have a trial dose for such a development project.
By nature, rapeseed is rather tasty and bitter, which has so far severely limited its use. However, NapiFeryn has developed its own technological solution for isolating and purifying proteins from other nutrients and eliminating the taste, smell and color of rapeseed that other seed oil producers could also adopt.
Increased demand for sustainable protein sources
The world's population is growing on average from year to year and it is estimated that by 2050 the world's population will be around 9.7 billion. It is therefore very important to innovate in food production and NapiFeryn does this by making better use of the rapeseed, which is already growing in many parts of the world. The rapeseed protein is not allergenic and therefore leaves no more common, but less sustainable, protein sources.
If the rapeseed, which today is mainly used in animal feed, were used for human consumption, it is estimated that it would be used as nutrition for about 3.5 billion people.
Entertainers about the interplay of food and technology encourage learning
The video is part of the FutureKitchen project, which aims to get young people involved in the discussion about food and technology. With virtual reality videos, people become part of the platform where the work takes place and witness how food-related science, technology and innovation can contribute to increased sustainability. Virtual reality is suitable for a variety of learning techniques and usually fits well into students' memory. The aim of the videos is to arouse attention and curiosity and get people to think about our food system or even consider a career in food technology.
FutureKitchen project manager Justine Vanhalst says: "Even if people do not have virtual reality glasses that can be a bit expensive, you can experience virtual reality in smartphones by turning the screen on and off, on the computer by moving the mouse to or with cheap cardboard virtual reality glasses. This is easier than people might think“
Next steps
The project will continue until 2020 and in the coming weeks the aim is to release a few more videos. Among other things, they will discuss chefs at a Michelin-starred restaurant that serve food from a 3D printer and more. Keep an eye on FoodUnfolded.com, here Matis.is or on youtube-channel Matís