From Waste to Superfood: Whey Protein Transformation

The Colombian company Alsec has initiated a groundbreaking project in the dairy industry by converting whey, a traditionally discarded byproduct, into high-value protein. This innovation holds potential to significantly alter the region's dairy landscape. Whey, which constitutes up to 85% of the milk used in cheese production, is often viewed as an environmental hazard since one liter can contaminate a thousand liters of water.

To combat this, Alsec has developed a novel plant utilizing nanotechnology to extract high-quality protein from whey. This venture not only mitigates environmental impact but establishes a new dairy value chain. By acquiring whey from small regional creameries, Alsec enhances the economic prospects of these businesses, increasing their EBITDA by two points.

Environmentally, the plant greatly reduces water contamination, while nutritionally, the highly absorbent protein becomes a vital component for nutraceuticals and health supplements. Alsec's collaboration with Alpina to create competitive protein products further exemplifies this success. Strategically, Alsec’s project supports Colombia’s food security by potentially substituting nearly 60% of its imported dairy protein, strengthening national food sovereignty.