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French biotech firm Standing Ovation has partnered with the Bel Group to achieve the first industrial-scale production of caseins derived from dairy serums through precision fermentation.

This innovation marks a significant advancement towards a circular economy in the food sector, positioning both companies as leaders in sustainable dairy production.

The newly validated process effectively converts acid whey – a byproduct of cheese-making – into high-quality caseins, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional dairy supply chains.

This achievement not only demonstrates the scalability of Standing Ovation’s patented technology but also highlights the potential for reducing waste in a sector often criticised for its environmental impact.

Caroline Sorlin, director of investments and start-up collaborations at Bel Group, said: “By transforming our cheese whey into high-value proteins, we give a second life to our byproducts while significantly reducing our carbon footprint”.

The partnership is rooted in a commitment to sustainability and food sovereignty. By valourising co-products from cheese production, the initiative aims to bolster national resources while reducing waste.

The integration of this innovative valourisation circuit not only enhances production efficiency but also aligns with the broader goals of reducing the carbon footprint associated with dairy production.

An independent life cycle assessment has revealed that Standing Ovation’s process can reduce CO₂ emissions by 74%, land use by 99%, and water consumption by 68% compared to conventional animal caseins. These metrics position the tech as an asset for manufacturers pursuing carbon neutrality.

This collaboration is in line with the Bel Group’s vision of achieving zero destruction of edible products and 100% valourisation of food waste.

Olivier Ladet, industrial director at Standing Ovation, noted: “This industrial validation confirms the robustness of our technology and its ability to sustainably transform practices in the dairy industry”.

This milestone represents a shift towards a more resilient, sustainable and sovereign dairy sector. Yvan Chardonnens, CEO of Standing Ovation, commented: “This world-first innovation proves that our industry can be profoundly transformed by generating significant nutritional, economic and environmental value”.