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Spotted: Global packaging experts Tetra Pak and food tech leaders Mycorena recently announced that they are partnering to build an industrial alternative protein manufacturing plant. Located in Falkenburg, Sweden, the plant will initially produce minced meat-based products such as burgers and meatballs. Made from filamentous fungi, the vegan protein is a versatile ingredient that is customisable in a number of ways.

Mycorena’s biotechnology process helps reduce the environmental and financial costs associated with raising meat and dairy animals through traditional agricultural methods. The fermentation process that produces the fungi is naturally occurring and easy to manage and scale up as required. And unlike current farming practices, producing fungal proteins does not rely on the vagaries of weather and climate, meaning that production could be located anywhere.

Mycorena has further plans to open new factories across Europe and Asia in the near future. The company believes that micro and regional facilities could be installed at a size that suits the local community, further reducing air miles and other resources used to store and transport fresh foods. The customisation that is part of the Mycorena process includes adding desired nutrients, textures, colours, and flavours, and the company works with partners on turning available waste products into valuable ingredients for the fermentation process.

Other alternative protein innovations recently spotted by Springwise include a protein-rich food additive made from duckweed, a startup that upcycles barley byproducts into protein-rich flour, and an environmentally sustainable alternative to egg whites.

Written by: Keely Khoury