Replacing soy with Pekilo protein in aquafeed (AquaPekilo)

Short description of the project: AquaPekilo is a three-year project financed by EMFF, aimed at bringing to market a novel, cost-competitive, locally produced, and sustainable aquaculture feed protein ingredient for use as an alternative to soy protein concentrate.

Tangible results: AquaPekilo further develops the PEKILO single-cell protein (SPC) production technology. This production technology is unique in using local renewable feedstocks while producing an SCP product that can match the current industry reference, soy protein concentrate, on price. In particular, the project supports the scaling activities, finalises the product trials and regulatory process, and verifies the business model to bring PEKILO SCP to market.

Application/relevance: AquaPekilo creates a novel value chain of the circular economy within the blue economy that promotes soy-free and sustainable aquaculture. In addition, it improves European protein self-sufficiency, increases the efficiency of side streams use, and brings new players into blue economy.