FeedKind™ protein – a natural, safe, non-GMO sustainable fish feed ingredient is approved for sale in the European Union.
Calysta based in California, through its subsidiary Calysta (UK) Ltd., has received a conditional award of up to £2.8 million Exceptional Regional Growth Fund (eRGF) grant subject to due diligence from the UK Government.
This will contribute to a £30 million first phase investment over ten years by Calysta to develop a Market Introduction Facility to undertake R&D critical to commercialise FeedKind and develop the technology for other applications.
The project is expected to both safeguard and create up to 39 positions in science, engineering and operations, along with indirect jobs benefits in construction and the supply chain.
Calysta plan to locate a novel loop reactor adjacent to CPI’s existing National Industrial Biotechnology Facility. This loop reactor will incorporate Calysta’s proprietary, best-in-class gas fermentation technology. CPI staff will then gain experience in operating the facility under Calysta’s supervision.
Alan Shaw, Ph.D., Calysta President and CEO said: “The eRGF grant is a major vote of confidence for us from the UK Government. After looking at potential sites around Europe, we look forward to building Calysta's first plant in Teesside.
“Teesside remains an important centre for the process industry,” he added.
“We are keen to capitalise on the area’s commercial attractiveness, technical skills and research and development expertise. Our plant will not only provide a boost for the economy of North East England, but will also support the UK’s goal to become a world leader in the emerging industrial biotechnology sector by generating game changing technology in gas fermentation and synergistic applications.”
FeedKind™ is manufactured using a natural process similar to the production of yeast-extract sandwich spreads. Studies have confirmed the nutritional value of the feed, based on criteria such as growth performance and animal health.
Calysta is marketing FeedKind™ Aqua to the global salmon farming industry. For the first time, FeedKind™ Aqua provides the aquaculture industry with the opportunity to further improve its sustainability profile as it grows to meet increasing global demand for fish protein. In the UK alone, the salmon farming industry is expected to grow by 50% by 2020.
By replacing fishmeal with a nutritious naturally occurring protein, the industry can reduce its impact on the environment and on wild fisheries, while offering consumers a more sustainable product.
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