Swiss Bühler Group and MMS AG in Urdorf, Zurich, announce an innovation and technology partnership to drive the development of high functionality ingredients for sustainable meat and dairy analogues. MMS’s expertise in membrane technology enables the separation of valuable components with superior functionality, sensory, and nutritional benefits. In combination with Bühler’s processing expertise and upstream and downstream technologies for the plant-based protein market, the partnership provides the opportunity to explore the next generation of meat and dairy analogues.

“With this exciting technology partnership, we will bring new processes to the market that unlock the next level in terms of product quality, nutrition, and sensory characteristics,” says Ian Roberts, Bühler chief technical officer. The plant-based protein market is growing rapidly, and consumers are increasingly looking for high-quality, tasty, nutritious products as a sustainable alternative to meat and dairy. To meet these tough criteria requires ingredients with superior functionality. MMS membrane technology can deliver plant protein ingredients that are both sustainable and of highest quality.

The technology is a differentiating solution particularly in the space of sustainable protein because it allows separation of valuable components without denaturation or loss of properties of the native ingredients. MMS has a strong track record of solving complex separation and fractionation challenges in the food and bio pharma industries. With a highly skilled team, deep knowledge and experience in dairy processing, and a problem-solving culture, they continuously deliver new, innovative and highly selective industrial membrane separation solutions. The non-thermal separation and concentration capabilities remove the need for energy intensive thermal processes and the water used is significantly reduced by recycling. It is therefore beneficial in terms of helping customers achieve their sustainability targets and is fully in line with Bühler’s target of providing solutions to reduce waste, energy and water in its customers’ operations by 50% by 2025.

Complementary technologies

With their leading capability in technologies for the production of plant-based proteins, Bühler sees many benefits in working with MMS to integrate its technology in the solutions it provides its customers worldwide in the food industry.

MMS has been providing membrane systems and solutions for over 25 years, working with customers in many industries including dairy, food, beverages, biotech and pharma. It develops and designs membrane processes and successfully implements them on an industrial scale.

“There are many complementarities with multiple business segments where Bühler operates and where MMS’s membrane technology could be a part of downstream processing,” says Roberts. “MMS is highly specialized in this technology step and share our spirit for problem solving and innovation. We see them as a powerhouse for multiple applications in the space of liquid-liquid fractionation.”

“By entering the partnership with Bühler, we want to strengthen our position in the sustainable plant-based protein space and widen the use of our technology as an opportunity to bring superior quality ingredients to customers in these sectors,” says George Bou-Habib, MMS chief executive officer.