Dairy

Upfront offers a complete range of solutions for whey protein processors to optimize the value of the raw material. Whey protein prices increase with higher levels of purity and Rhobust^® EBA chromatographic separation has been proven to offer not only >95% pure protein isolate, but also has the flexibility to produce individual purified protein fractions. Hence, it is possible to manufacture proteins with a range of biological or technical functionalities that represent significantly more value than the simple non-separated protein fraction from crude whey streams. Examples of new product opportunities using whey raw material are:

• WPI, Whey Protein Isolate (high purity, peptide free)
• β-lactoglobulin
• α-lactoalbumin or α-lactoalbumin enriched WPI
• Immunoglobulins
• Bovine Serum Albumin
• Glycomacropeptides
• Lactoperoxidase
• Lactoferrin

In a Rhobust^® EBA process unclarified, crude whey stream is loaded directly onto the EBA columns where the specific proteins are captured. Subsequent elution, concentration and drying steps result in a range of pure, functional protein products.

Note that when separating one or more proteins from the main stream by a Rhobust^® EBA process, with no pre-treatment of the whey, it is still feasible to maintain an existing WPC business. On the other hand, the Rhobust^® technology can be configured as a complete Whey Protein Refinery with multiple product outputs and total production flexibility.

A Rhobust^® Whey Protein Refinery has the capability to switch readily between different products depending on protein market requirements. This allows the business to adapt to changing market conditions in a fast and flexible manner.