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FrieslandCampina Ingredients (FCI) has opened a lactoferrin production facility in Veghel, the Netherlands, in a bid to increase its total lactoferrin capacity from 20 metric tonnes to 80 metric tonnes per year.
The dairy ingredients provider says the new facility will help to meet the rising global demand for early life and adult nutrition products.
The plant houses machines designed specifically to ensure the quality and purity of its lactoferrin products, and aims to meet FCI's sustainability standards. The machinery focuses on multiple processes, from streamlining milk collection to packaging and shipping – including technology for absorption and elution, filtration and spray drying.
The company also has full access to fresh cow's milk through FrieslandCampina's 10,000 member farms. FCI processes this milk into functional lactoferrin using a mild heat-treating technique designed by the company's R&D team.
The plant will run on 100% green electricity, "which is largely generated by FrieslandCampina’s member farms and certified under the EU’s Guarantee of Origin scheme," a company statement said. Water and salt byproducts created during the manufacturing process will also be reused.
Lactoferrin is a protein that is naturally present in human milk, and is said to provide a number of health benefits, including immune system support and resilience to disease/illness. For this reason, lactoferrin has become a popular ingredient in the infant formula market, as well as in specialist adult nutrition products.
Herman Ermens, president at FCI, commented: “Today, the importance of supporting immunity for better health and holistic wellbeing is widely recognised. Taking steps to improve immune health is becoming a part of many people's daily routines. I’m looking forward to seeing how our customers tap into the holistic wellbeing trend by offering their consumers new products that combine multiple health benefits in one convenient application." He continued: "By expanding our production capacity and implementing new technologies, we’re not just meeting the growing demand for lactoferrin, but doing so in a way that prioritises both quality and sustainability. Over 25 years ago, we were one of the first companies producing lactoferrin and I’m proud to say we’re still leading innovation in this area to help people get the most out of life, always.” You may also like to read: