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Sep 30, 2023

Retrofit your factory to satisfy demand for plant

News 23-May-2023 - Last

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23-May-2023 - Last updated on 23-May-2023 at 11:01 GMT

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The report, Plant-based Meat Manufacturing Capacity and Pathways for Expansion​, released today by the Good Food Institute and Bright Green Partners claimed retrofitting existing systems would enable manufacturers to expand capacity in days or months – compared with up to three years to build a new plant and at 20% of the cost.

Producers of foods such as breakfast cereals and dry snacks could pivot their facilities to manufacture the raw ingredients of plant-based foods, while conventional meat processing plants could be turned into facilities used for later stages of production.

Retrofitting can also enable other industries to enter the market using existing infrastructure. One example given was Dutch meat processor Vion, which converted a beef processing facility to manufacturer plant-based food.

Carlotte Lucas, senior corporate engagement manager at the Good Food Institute Europe, said: "Europe is one of the world's biggest markets for plant-based meat, but with even a moderate increase in demand likely to exhaust manufacturing capacity, this report provides businesses and governments with a roadmap for the future.​

"Reusing existing buildings and equipment is a feasible and affordable way of making sure companies can scale up quickly, ensuring Europe does not miss out on the huge opportunities presented by this sustainable food."​

The Plant-based Meat Manufacturing Capacity and Pathways for Expansion ​report estimated production plants around the world were able to produce around 2.2 million metric tons of plant-based meat last year, with 41% of this capacity in Europe, followed by North America at 34%.

Although current capacity is well-used, even moderate growth in the market could mean the industry wouldn't be able to keep up with demand. NielsenIQ data analysed by GFI Europe found retail sales of plant-based meat across 13 European countries grew by 19% to over €2bn between 2020 and 2022.

Floor Buitelaar, Managing Partner at Bright Green Partners, said: "Limited capacity and substantial capital requirements hinder the future growth of the plant-based meat industry. Our study offers critical guidance, empowering decision-makers to make informed choices regarding capacity, capital, and strategies to limit investments.​

"Spare plant-based meat manufacturing capacity will likely be used up by 2026, making retrofitting a very attractive capital-efficient option to quickly scale capacity."​

Meanwhile, researchers at the University of Aberystwyth are contributing to a £12m project to produce sustainable alternative proteins.​​

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Related topics Plant-Based Operations