A groundbreaking collaboration is setting new standards for sustainability in the potato industry, transforming waste into valuable agricultural and industrial resources.
In a move highlighting the importance of circular agriculture, global potato starch manufacturer Avebe and biotechnology pioneer ChainCraft have announced a strategic partnership. The initiative aims to convert residual potato juice—a byproduct of Avebe’s starch production—into high-value fatty acids and fertilizers using ChainCraft’s cutting-edge fermentation technology.
A Milestone in Sustainable Potato Processing
Avebe, renowned for its innovative starch and protein solutions derived from potatoes, consistently seeks to enhance sustainability and reduce waste. This collaboration with ChainCraft reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable practices, aligning with broader efforts to boost resource efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
By repurposing potato juice, Avebe not only minimizes environmental impact but also supports its cooperative members, predominantly potato farmers, by creating new revenue streams.
“Our partnership with ChainCraft represents a critical step toward achieving our sustainability goals,” said David Fousert, CEO of Avebe. “Turning potato juice waste into valuable resources not only strengthens our environmental efforts but also brings tangible economic benefits to our farmers in the Northern region.”
Pioneering Technology for a Greener Future
ChainCraft’s fermentation technology is a game-changer in waste processing. It uses organic waste streams as an alternative to fossil fuels and palm oil, addressing key environmental challenges such as deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. The products derived from this process, including fatty acids, have diverse applications in agriculture, animal feed, and specialty chemicals.
“This partnership with Avebe enables us to scale our technology and demonstrate its vast potential to positively impact industries aiming for sustainability,” stated Niels van Stralen, Founder of ChainCraft.
The collaboration includes plans for a dedicated processing facility in Ter Apelkanaal, Groningen, which is expected to generate local employment opportunities and support regional economic development.
Advancing Circular Agriculture
The Avebe-ChainCraft partnership marks a significant leap toward establishing a circular economy within the potato industry. By converting waste into essential agricultural products, the initiative not only reduces reliance on traditional resources but also sets an example of how innovative technologies can transform food processing.
This collaboration highlights the potential for large-scale partnerships to address sustainability challenges while delivering economic and environmental benefits. Farmers, processors, and industries alike stand to gain from the model established by Avebe and ChainCraft, proving that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.
