Be part of the protein revolution
Vitarbo AG, based in Switzerland, has developed a pioneering process with the Bern University of Applied Sciences.
We all know it. Protein production from animals and soya is under pressure.
That is why Vitarbo's visionaries have therefore focussed on extracting proteins from moringa leaves.
And they have succeeded. Thanks to this patent, the world now has the opportunity to obtain proteins more sustainably than ever before.
Highest protein yield potential
In a world with an ever-growing population and limited resources, securing the food supply faces major challenges. But there is hope and innovative solutions that can lead us to a more sustainable future. Protein is an important part of our diet and its importance is increasing with population growth. But instead of relying solely on traditional sources of protein, nature is opening new doors for us. One of these exciting discoveries is moringa.
Moringa, a plant with an amazingly high protein yield potential, could revolutionise the way we obtain and use proteins. Compared to soya, moringa can produce up to three times as much protein per hectare of cultivated land. This is not only good for the environment, but also a promising solution to the increasing demand for protein.
Through intensive research and development, Vitarbo AG has developed an innovative process for extracting protein from the leaves of the moringa plant. This protein has a balanced amino acid spectrum and can be used in a variety of ways, from nutritional supplements for athletes to dietary foods and meat substitutes.
If we focus on the potential of moringa, we could take a big step towards a plant-based diet and tackle the global food challenges at the same time. Now is the time for visionaries and pioneers who want to pave the way to a sustainable future. With Moringa, we can not only satisfy our own hunger, but also make a contribution to solving global nutritional problems.
The incredible Moringa plant
The world population will grow to over 9 billion people by 2050. to over 9 billion people by 2050. The global demand for protein will increase accordingly.
Today, soya is the most important source of protein for humans (and animals). However, soya cultivation puts a strain on the world's rainforests and natural forests.
Moringa can produce two to three times more protein per hectare than soya - which conserves valuable land and resources.
Moringa protein contains all the essential amino acids and and is suitable as an ingredient in various foods.
The Vitarbo patent
In a research project lasting several years, Vitarbo AG has developed an innovative process for extracting protein-rich fractions from plant leaves in collaboration with Bern University of Applied Sciences. This extraction process takes place in several coordinated steps: First, the leaf material is crushed, then soluble and colouring substances are extracted and fatty substances are separated. Various filtration steps are used in the process. The process was successfully developed for the Moringa plant, but can also be used for other plant leaves.
The end product is dispersible fractions of fibres and proteins, which have a wide range of applications, particularly in the food industry. The process can be carried out using conventional technologies and scaled up to industrial scale.
Imagine you and your company own this patent, have the know-how and can use it to revolutionise the food industry and protein production. Yes, that is possible!
Moringa protein
Moringa leaves have a balanced amino acid composition. Moringa contains all 20 amino acids in total, including the eight amino acids that are essential for humans.
The fractions obtained by Vitarbo AG contain between 40% and 70% protein and are suitable for various applications. Thanks to a decolourisation step, the product is relatively light in colour and virtually free of off-flavours.
The protein revolution
The nutritional model that has become established in the "developed" countries can no longer work in the future. The ecosystem, the environment and the health of humans and animals are burdened by a diet that is too "animal-based". The production of animal protein requires huge areas of pasture, consumes an enormous amount of fresh water and is responsible for a large proportion of all greenhouse gas emissions.
We need a gentle but determined shift towards a plant-based diet and plant-based sources of protein in particular.
Vitarbo
Switzerland
Vitarbo has been focussing on the topic of "alternative protein sources" since 2014.
A particular focus is on the moringa plant, which is a very interesting option due to its high biomass yield and the protein content in its leaves.
Under the aspects of: Ecology, humanity and economy, we are developing models for the production of plant proteins. In a three-year research project funded by Innosuisse, Vitarbo AG has developed an extraction process for protein-rich fractions from the moringa plant and identified potential applications for the food industry.
The Moringa plant
Moringa originally comes from north-west India and grows as a tree, but can also be kept and cut as a low shrub for agricultural use. Moringa grows and thrives particularly well in sunny and very warm regions.
When grown intensively, the plant can provide many times more protein than soya. The cultivation of moringa could therefore also reduce the pressure to clear our natural forests.
