AEGIC set to make major foray into pulse protein after buying $730,000 ‘pulse fractionation’ machine

Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre is poised to boost its work in pulse protein after buying a new-age, $720,000 processing machine as the nation eyes a plant protein market worth $3.2 billion by 2033. The Perth-based organisation recently bought and installed the new machinery from Germany to support the dry fractionation of pulse protein after receiving a $567,000 funding boost from the Grains Research Development Corporation. AEGIC chair Ron Storey said dry fractionation of pulses was expected to become the dominant way to produce plant protein ingredients long term, replacing wet fractionation. The new technique involves specialised milling and air classification technology to produce protein and starch-enriched fractions, which is billed as being more energy and water efficient than wet fractionation methods. Mr Storey said the grant would boost AEGIC’s plant protein research capacity, drive innovation in pulse protein manufacturing in Australia, and create opportunity for import replacement of protein ingredients. AEGIC tipped $155,509 in to fund the $723,300 purchase, which was ordered this month. He said the infrastructure investment fit perfectly with Australia’s opportunity to lead innovation in plant protein research to secure growing demand in Asia. “We are thrilled to receive this GRDC infrastructure grant,” he said. “It will increase AEGIC’s plant protein research capacity, drive innovation in pulse protein manufacturing in Australia, create opportunity for import replacement of protein ingredients, and advance the use of Australian pulses as a source of plant protein for global markets. AEGIC was the first to receive cash through GRDC’s new national infrastructure investment program, a $20 million investment program launched last year to build the nation’s grains research capacity and support the enduring profitability of the nation’s grain growers. GRDC chair John Woods announced the investment in Perth on April 19, saying there was the opportunity to create “significant new value for pulses” as plant protein markets continued to grow rapidly across the Asia-Pacific region. “By 2030, it’s estimated that the plant protein market in Australia will be valued at $3.2 billion,” he said. “The equipment purchased through this grant will expand the scope for Australian pulses in three areas: import replacement, protein ingredient export and expanded domestic plant protein consumption. “Growth of these markets will provide value-adding opportunities and diversify demand for Australian pulses. “This means Australian growers will face less risk in their pulse production. This investment will enable emerging opportunities.” AEGIC is Australia’s leading organisation for market insight, innovation and applied solutions, with the purpose of increasing value in the grains industry by ensuring its products meet the needs of customers and end-users. The huge pulse protein opportunities for Australian faba beans, yellow peas and red lentils was put forward in a recent research paper published by AEGIC researchers in scientific journal Legume Science recently. Mr Storey said AEGIC was working with industry partners who are developing applications for these products, with a view to commercialisation in the future.