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French dairy group Bel Group has partnered with biotech firm Standing Ovation to develop a precision fermentation process that converts acid whey – a by-product of cheese production – into casein, a key milk protein.

The innovation aims to reduce waste and improve sustainability in the dairy supply chain.

The process, developed by Standing Ovation, uses patented precision fermentation technology to extract functional caseins from dairy effluents that are typically underused. By reintroducing these proteins into food production, the partnership supports a circular economy model while offering an alternative to traditional dairy sourcing.

The initiative aligns with Bel's goal of eliminating edible waste and improving resource efficiency. It also supports broader food sovereignty efforts by promoting protein autonomy and reducing dependence on external sources.

The two companies plan to scale up the process for industrial use and explore applications of the recovered caseins in various food products.

Caroline Sorlin, director of investments and collaborations with start-ups at Groupe Bel, said: "Standing Ovation's technology, combined with our cheese-making expertise, enables us to put this technological innovation into practice, opening up a whole new world of possibilities for imagining tomorrow's recipes and products, combining nutritional quality, accessibility and responsibility. It's a guarantee that we'll be able to offer products that meet the expectations of tomorrow's consumers."

Romain Chayot, co-founder and scientific director of Standing Ovation, commented: "Thanks to this process, which represents a breakthrough innovation for the entire dairy industry, we are optimising the manufacture of dairy products by enabling manufacturers to reintegrate whey directly into their production cycle. This local and circular approach reduces losses and reinforces supply at source, a key issue for the future of the sector and the major challenges of food sovereignty in Europe and worldwide."

Yvan Chardonnens, CEO of Standing Ovation, added: "The acid whey serum contains minerals, sugar (lactose), organic acids and very little protein. The process developed by Standing Ovation offers a new, sustainable source of protein, produced through fermentation from a by-product of the dairy industry. This partnership with Bel is particularly meaningful, as it embodies all of our core values: innovation, circular economy, sustainable development, and support for food sovereignty in Europe and around the world."