Lantm盲nnen鈥檚 biorefinery in Lidk枚ping already has a long-established facility where wheat is processed into products including vital wheat gluten, starch ingredients and spirits. In the first half of 2027, a new large-scale plant for plant-based protein will become part of the operation.
International market
鈥淲e have a unique position in a growing market for plant-based proteins. They are used in everything from burgers to nutritional drinks. The market is one of the reasons why we are building this facility. Lantm盲nnen also has a tradition of creating value that can be returned to our members and owners, the farmers. Peas are also an excellent break crop because they fix nitrogen in the soil,鈥� says site manager Johan Andersson.
From the outset, the facility is being built with the capacity to supply an international market.
鈥淭his facility will increase demand for peas grown in Sweden,鈥� says Johan Andersson.
Representatives from Biogas Solutions Research Center visited the facility and were given a tour of the advanced equipment that will separate peas, as well as other pulses, into valuable fractions such as protein, starch, liquid and biosubstrates for fertiliser or biogas production.
Protein comes first
鈥淲e will start by refining and isolating the protein. This will generate several side streams, including starch. We can dry it, but initially it will be sent as a high-moisture raw material to the ethanol plant in Norrk枚ping.鈥�
The processes will require increasing amounts of water. In the future, the biorefinery therefore plans to manage more of this internally, for example by reusing water contained in the production side streams.
Creating value
Johan Andersson points out that although the plant protein facility is new, the underlying methods are actually quite similar.
鈥淲e create value from wheat. We will then do the same with pulses. We process the wheat into gluten, while also separating it into protein and starch in different stages. These can be used for either biofuel or vodka, depending on market conditions. The remaining material can, for example, be used for biogas.鈥�
