EN FR

Enhancing plant-based foods and pet nutrition with animal-free collagen

Technology
PROJECT TIMELINE
June 2024 to March 2026
PROJECT STATUS
Fund II: Complete
TOTAL INVESTMENT
$653,077

Consortium Contribution
$359,192

Cluster Contribution
$293,885

Partners

Canada
Liven Proteins, ALT-PRO Advantage

UK
New Wave Biotech Ltd., Formidable Foods Ltd.

Goal

To enhance plant-based meat analogues and pet nutrition.

Project Summary

Innovation in functional ingredients is crucial for enhancing plant-based proteins to improve consumer experience and health benefits, addressing challenges like mushy texture, off flavours, and the lack of essential macro- and micronutrients. Beyond human food, pet food accounts for over 20 per cent of the environmental impact of global meat consumption. Yet, disrupting this space with plant-based options is difficult, as it requires overcoming similar hurdles in achieving taste, texture, functionality, and wellness benefits comparable to conventional animal products.

Liven and ALT-PRO Advantage are partnering with two U.K. plant-based brand innovators, Formidable Foods Ltd. (through its brand, Juicy Marbles) and New Wave Biotech Ltd. to deliver ingredient solutions to enhance plant-based meat analogues and pet nutrition.

ALT-PRO Advantage will develop and commercialize a new plant-based line of pet food. Liven will supply its animal-free collagen to ALT-PRO Advantage for testing and incorporating into its new dog chew offering.

Juicy Marbles will also test the collagen ingredient from Liven, providing Liven with an understanding of its ingredient’s performance in its whole-cut meat alternative.

Based on this feedback, Liven will create new iterations of their ingredients focusing on molecular aspects and process improvements. New Wave Biotech will assist Liven in these process improvement efforts as well as unit economics improvement using their AI-powered software solution.

Results and Impact

  • During the project, Liven Proteins advanced the development of its animal-free collagen using fermentation technology. This included the establishment of new processing capabilities and improvements.
  • The ingredient development provided Liven Proteins and its customers an opportunity to test the animal-free collagen in a range of end products, including gummies, ready-to-mix beverages and dog treats.
  • The testing of the dog treats helped ALT-PRO develop a new product line, leading to the launch of a multi-benefit dental stick for dogs that supports dental health, skin and coat, gut health, immunity and overall wellness.
  • Through the ingredient and product development, the partners were able to create new food and pet product options for Canadians and families around the world—helping meet the growing demand for diverse food options and healthier products.

Related reading