Integra Foods, the new ingredients division of Australian Grain Export (AGE), has opened a faba bean protein facility in Dublin, South Australia.
The facility, part of AGE’s $20 million vertically integrated value-adding precinct in South Australia’s Mid-North region, leverages sustainable and energy-efficient protein separation techniques.
The new plant, described as a state-of-the-art facility, is set to produce 15,000 metric tons of “all-natural” and sustainable concentrates annually for innovative faba bean-based products.
Mr. Tim Martin, managing director of Integra Foods, shared: “We’re proud to lead in developing Australia’s plant protein industry and launching South Australia’s newest industry.”
Dry fractionation tech
Unlike wet fractionating methods, the ingredients company uses pioneering dry fractionation, which does not require water, acids, alkalis, solvents, or drying to separate proteins and starches. According to the company, this technique is 90% more energy efficient while it preserves the natural integrity of the grains. Moreover, the wastewater from the process is not contaminated with chemicals.
In addition, Integra Foods sources all the broad beans from local producers within a 150 km radius of its manufacturing site, enhancing its sustainability commitments with a reduced carbon footprint and support to the local economy.
“Our innovative dry fractionation process produces high-quality protein and starch concentrates and reduces energy consumption significantly, aligning with our commitment to health and sustainability,” Martin added.
The ingredient of choice for environmentalists
Faba beans (fava or broad bean) are protein-rich and highly nutritious. They are also gluten- and allergen-free as well as non-GMO. According to the company, they are an “ingredient of choice for anyone concerned about the environment and climate.”
As Integra Foods aims to become a global leader in sustainable plant protein manufacturing, the company is gearing up to export its Pure: Faba range to key markets in Asia, Europe, and North America.
To bring new value-added capabilities to SA and establish new export pathways for locally grown pulses, the government awarded Integra Foods $500,000 to support R&D (a purpose-built lab) and the export of faba bean ingredients.
AGE has announced plans to collaborate with partners along the supply chain, including manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, to improve the quality and sustainability of the ingredients to make plant-based foods.
Several companies have unveiled or launched different and innovative products using fava beans, including cocoa-free chocolate, a promising new tempeh, several plant-based chicken products, chorizo-style sausages, and even plant-based food for dogs.
Integra Foods shared on social media, “An Australian first for sustainable protein and starch manufacturing, we believe the pursuit of alternative plant proteins should not be at the expense of the environment.”
