Deep Branch

Deep Branch validates its technology using industrial-grade gases, moving a step closer to commercialisation

– Deep Branch has fully commissioned its mobile pilot unit using CO₂ produced in the Port of Rotterdam in collaboration with OCAP, a supplier of gaseous carbon dioxide, and Duijvestein, one of Europe’s leading tomato producers.
– The Carbon Craft project, funded by Gemeente Rotterdam, has proven that existing carbon dioxide infrastructure can be used in the company’s protein production process.
– Deep Branch’s mobile pilot unit is a custom-built, containerised version of its proprietary gas fermentation platform technology.

ZUID HOLLAND, THE NETHERLANDS – Deep Branch, a creator of high-value ingredients for a more sustainable food system, has fully commissioned its mobile pilot unit (MPU) using CO₂ produced in the Port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The Carbon Craft project represents another crucial step in de-risking the company’s technology and enables the assessment of carbon dioxide and hydrogen as key feedstocks to cultivate microbes in protein production via gas fermentation.

Deep Branch’s MPU is a custom-built, containerised version of its proprietary gas fermentation platform technology (R)evolve™. It has been designed to take the company’s technology out of the laboratory and into the real world, enabling carbon dioxide and hydrogen sources to be validated for compatibility with the system. The MPU also features a built-in Enapter electrolyser, allowing it to utilise hydrogen produced in real-time.

The latest MPU deployment sought to validate that carbon dioxide supplied to the local horticultural industry can also be used in protein generation via Deep Branch’s process. The Carbon Craft project was conducted in collaboration with OCAP, a subsidiary of Linde that supplies CO₂ to greenhouses growing vegetables and flowers. This carbon dioxide originates from the Port of Rotterdam and is purified and supplied by OCAP via a pipeline.

Duijvestein, one of Europe’s leading tomato producers, also closely collaborated on the project. OCAP’s partnership with Duijvestein has enabled the grower to transition away from relying on natural gas as a CO₂ and energy source, dramatically reducing its carbon footprint.

Long-term, the Carbon Craft project could inform the location of Deep Branch’s first commercial facility, with the Port of Rotterdam being a potential deployment location. Basing its first commercial facility in Rotterdam would enable the company to service the growing European aquaculture and livestock markets by providing feed producers with a protein ingredient with up to 90% less CO₂ than conventional ingredients such as soy and fishmeal.

Commenting on the MPU’s journey so far, Rob Mansfield, Deep Branch’s Chief Technology Officer, said:

“The experience and outcomes from the Carbon Craft project will be used in parallel with our ongoing scale-up work at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus to inform engineering and operational considerations of a potential future commercial facility at the Port of Rotterdam.”

Jacob Limbeek, CEO of OCAP, added:

“We’re proud to partner with an innovative company such as Deep Branch that shares our commitment to sustainability. By directly collaborating with end-users in the growing carbon tech industry, we can make a significant impact in the fight against climate change and create a more circular economy.”

Before Carbon Craft, Deep Branch’s MPU was deployed on-site with Drax Power Group in Yorkshire, UK, as part of a UK government-funded project. The Polluters to Producers project showcased that carbon capture and storage-grade CO₂ and hydrogen generated via an electrolyser can be used as feedstocks and was pivotal to the early phases of Deep Branch’s technological and commercial journey.

-ENDS-

Media enquiries:

Lee Lodge, International PR Director, Life Size
lee@lifesizemedia.com Tel. +44 07812076914

About Deep Branch:

Deep Branch creates sustainable, high-value food and feed ingredients to support a more sustainable food system. The company’s proprietary technology uses CO₂ and hydrogen as clean and renewable carbon and energy sources to deliver next-generation bio-based products.

Founded in 2018, Deep Branch has approximately 30 staff based in the UK and the Netherlands. It works with feed producers in industries such as aquaculture and partners with upstream companies such as CO₂ suppliers to deploy its technology efficiently and safely. Deep Branch has already established relationships with major international stakeholders, including Drax, BioMar and Sainsbury’s.

For more information, visit: https://deepbranch.com/

About OCAP:

OCAP’s philosophy is centered around the responsible reuse of CO₂ in order to prevent unnecessary emissions and reduce energy consumption. To achieve this goal, OCAP has been collecting CO₂ from industrial sources since 2005 and supplying it to market gardeners in various greenhouse areas, as CO₂ is an important nutrient for their plants. This has helped them avoid burning natural gas to obtain CO₂. However, there is still room for improvement.

In order to become more sustainable and achieve climate-neutral business practices, the greenhouse horticulture industry requires a sufficient supply of external CO₂. This is crucial for their operations and OCAP recognizes the importance of this issue.

For more information, visit: https://ocap.nl/

Deep Branch has appointed Tanja van Dinteren to the dual role of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer.

Deep Branch appoints Tanja van Dinteren as new CFO and COO

Deep Branch has appointed Tanja van Dinteren to the dual role of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer.
Tanja will lead Deep Branch’s financial activities and foster a positive work environment as the company readies itself for commercialisation.
Combining the two roles will align Deep Branch’s financial and operational performance and ensure that all key metrics to track success are clearly defined.

Deep Branch, a creator of high-value ingredients for a more sustainable food system, has appointed Tanja van Dinteren as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO). As well as leading the planning, implementation and managing of all the company’s financial activities, Tanja will be responsible for fostering a positive work environment as Deep Branch transitions from start-up to scale-up. She will also ensure the business is primed for commercialisation in a few years.

With 25 years of experience in financial roles across multiple sectors, Tanja brings various skills and extensive knowledge to Deep Branch. She started her career with leading professional services firm KPMG and spent over eight years with renewable energy group ENGIE in various roles, including CFO at ENGIE Energy in the Netherlands. During this time, Tanja ensured ENGIE remained profitable in all areas and was responsible for identifying opportunities for acquisitions, including leading discussions with advisors and exploratory talks with potential targets, as well as conducting negotiations.

Tanja replaces Deep Branch’s former CFO, Lisa Thomas, who has stepped back from executive responsibilities to explore opportunities requiring less international travel. The company has appointed Tanja in a hybrid CFO/COO position to provide a robust platform for growth. This dual role will also marry the business’ financial and operational performance and ensure that all key metrics to track success are clearly defined for informed decision-making.

Commenting on joining Deep Branch, Tanja said:

“Deep Branch is a people-oriented company with a strong vision for ensuring food security. We address two of the world’s most significant challenges – increasing CO2 levels in our atmosphere and a growing population leading to higher fish, poultry and meat demands. The world needs innovations and technologies such as our proprietary gas fermentation platform (R)evolve™. I’ve already seen our team’s passion, enthusiasm and professionalism, and it’s great to have the opportunity to join and contribute to our success.”

Deep Branch’s CEO Pete Rowe added:

“As a fast-growing company, we must balance being flexible, recognising that roles and responsibilities can change as we grow, and remaining structured to ensure stability. As we enter a new chapter of our growth, we decided it was time to bring in some new experience and skills and better define the scope of work for our leadership team.”

“We needed a candidate for our new CFO/COO hybrid role who was comfortable working in a dynamic start-up culture and understood how and why to evolve the company into a more mature organisation as we grow. This meant that we required someone with experience in larger, rapid-growth organisations comfortable with changes happening quickly. I’m confident we have this person in Tanja. She fills every room with positive energy and knows how to lead organisations to perform better and provide value and meaning for all team members.”

How Proton advances food security and climate resilient food systems

Environmental changes and geopolitical events are putting pressure on food supplies worldwide. Scientists are calling for major changes to our food system as global food security decreases. Technological innovations are crucial to the transition towards more resilient agricultural practices. At Deep Branch, we believe single-cell protein could provide a solution.

Proteins are an essential part of both human and animal diets. Our single-cell protein Proton™ provides a practical and nutritious alternative to traditional animal feed ingredients while contributing to greater food security and more climate-resilient food systems.

Making more from less

Current industrial agricultural practices that produce protein rely heavily on a range of finite resources. For example, industrial agriculture uses vast amounts of fresh water – up to 15,000 litres per kilogram is needed to produce a kilogram of beef – and vast amounts of land for crop and livestock farming.

In contrast, the gas fermentation process we use to create Proton does not require arable land. In fact, producing 100,000 tonnes of Proton will prevent an area three times the size of Paris from deforestation. The process only uses microbes, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, oxygen and micronutrients – all readily available resources – plus a small amount of water. There are abundant supplies of our main ingredient CO₂, which we source from our partners as a by-product, making Proton production more resource-efficient than traditional agriculture.

Isolated from weather events

Industrial agriculture is highly subject to variations in the weather. Bad weather can disrupt crop growth, while extreme weather events such as flooding or drought can lead to crop failure. As opposed to the seasonality we’re used to in traditional agriculture, our fermentation operates continuously, so the product is constantly extracted from the system. At the same time, gases and other input streams are controlled to maintain consistent volumes and biomass concentrations.

Scientists predict that extreme weather events will become more common with climate change intensifying. Producing Proton is self-contained and protected from the elements.

Reduced geopolitical risk

Proton production plants will be built where inputs are available locally and won’t rely on an extended global supply chain. Not only does this approach simplify the value chain, but it also protects it from geopolitical events. With the proximity of downstream markets like feed producers and aquafarms taken into account, Proton will increase food security for local economies and allow the countries we operate in to be more independent.

The Russia-Ukraine war has demonstrated how easily supply chains can be disrupted, impacting both energy and food prices. A largely local value chain is, therefore, a significant advantage in reliability.

Scalability is crucial

According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, there will be an estimated 840 million undernourished people worldwide by 2030. Therefore, combatting global food insecurity will require highly scalable solutions.

Proton technology runs continuously and is designed to scale. The input ingredients are abundant, while manufacturing takes up a negligible footprint. This contrasts with scaling industrial agriculture, which requires vast amounts of arable land.

In a matter of months, our pilot production facility in the Netherlands will be commissioned to produce around 250kg of dried Proton every month. This will be followed by our commercial facility, which will create approximately 250 tonnes of ingredients annually when it is expected to launch in 2025.

Bringing Proton to market will tackle the climate emergency and reduce the food industry’s impact on biodiversity loss. With continuous production and reduced carbon intensity of over 60% compared to conventional proteins, Proton can be pivotal in supporting a food system that puts sustainability and food security at its core.

Learn more about the technology behind Proton here.

Our brand refresh story

At Deep Branch, we pride ourselves in developing high-performing ingredients as we work towards a more sustainable food system. As such, we wanted to introduce our brand refresh launched in October 2022 and tell the story behind it.

We have always thought boldly about transforming the global food system: we strongly believe demand for food can be met sustainably, without consumers compromising on nutrition or quality. Based on gas fermentation technology, we utilise clean and renewable carbon and energy sources to create high-quality ingredients.

With exciting developments around the corner that will bring our single-cell protein Protonᵀᴹ a step closer to market, we decided it was the right opportunity to evolve our brand into one that better reflects Deep Branch’s growth journey and sharpens our positioning in a global market.

The heart of the Deep Branch brand
Humans have been controlling the fermentation process to generate valuable products for thousands of years, and we want our brand to be part of communicating our story and highlighting the natural origin and—at its heart—simplicity of the process.

Rather than a full rebrand with wholesale changes, we based this refresh on the existing brand—built on the company’s core principles and set up for growth.

Our brand refresh is a true celebration of our technology. Creating a series of visual elements inspired by our process, we ensure that microbes and our input gases (hydrogen, oxygen, and CO₂) are now an integral part of our visual brand and will be used to create a more unified identity both online and in real-world application.

In short, our brand refresh enables us:

– To have a visual representation of the elements involved in the gas fermentation process.
– To highlight the simplicity and transparency behind our technology.
– To have a brand that reflects our journey and sets us up for continued growth as we commercialise and scale Protonᵀᴹ.

Watch this space for exciting milestones to come!

Deep Branch hires Anders Clausen as Chief Innovation Officer

Anders will be responsible for setting and executing Deep Branch’s research and development strategy and protecting the intellectual property of its ingredients and technology.
He will also lead in forming external research and development partnerships for the company.
Anders has worked within biotech for over 25 years and has significant private sector and academic experience across multiple industries.
Deep Branch has appointed Anders Clausen as its new Chief Innovation Officer. Anders will oversee the company’s technical leadership team in setting and executing its research and development strategy and ensuring Deep Branch holds robust intellectual property for its technology platform and products. He will also lead in establishing external research and development collaborations for the business.
With over 25 years of working in biotechnology, Anders brings vast experience in bioprocess technology development and application development for microbes in food. He joins the company after founding Productus, a business dedicated to providing guidance on research and development strategy and production process development within bioscience. Prior to this, Anders spent over a decade with market-leading cultures and probiotics producer Chr. Hansen, primarily focusing on developing new products and production platform technologies for stabilising lactic acid bacteria as starter cultures and probiotics.
Anders has extensive knowledge in developing and implementing fermentation and downstream processes for microorganisms through rapid up and downscaling. He is also experienced in managing innovation and technology development through collaboration between the private sector and academia.

Commenting on joining Deep Branch, Anders said:

“The microbial protein sector is still in its infancy. However, it’s clear that Deep Branch will play a crucial role in shaping its maturity. We’re ideally placed to define the opportunities for single-cell protein globally and unlock the potential of gas fermentation by solving the remaining technical and engineering challenges. Joining Deep Branch on this journey is incredibly exciting given the scientific and commercial opportunities it represents.”

Deep Branch’s CEO Pete Rowe added:

“Commercialising any technology is about more than good ideas – it requires strong execution. This is crucial in biotechnology because our development cycles are so long compared to other industries. Anders brings a wealth of experience in managing the commercialisation of new bioprocesses through their full innovation life-cycle. Coming from Chr. Hansen, he knows that innovation must consider all key stakeholders, and it’s clear that he works hard to ensure commitment from all parties to get to a win-win situation. Anders will be integral in bringing our (R)evolve™ gas fermentation platform to full maturity, ensuring we can commercialise products quickly, efficiently and with the ability to meet genuine market demand.”

Notes for editors

Link to images:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8emwefxwci0zoz7/AABR9HE394TuZuMsuexExCema?dl=0

Media enquiries:

Lee Lodge, Head of PR, Life Size Media
lee@lifesizemedia.com
Tel. +44 07812076914

About Deep Branch:

Deep Branch creates sustainable, high-value food and feed ingredients to support a more sustainable food system. The company’s proprietary [platform name] technology uses CO2 and hydrogen as clean and renewable carbon and energy sources to deliver next-generation bio-based products.

Founded in 2018, Deep Branch has approximately 30 staff based in the UK and the Netherlands. It works with feed producers in industries such as aquaculture and partners with upstream companies such as CO2 suppliers to deploy its technology efficiently and safely. Deep Branch has already established relationships with major international stakeholders, including Drax, BioMar and Sainsbury’s.

For more information, visit: https://deepbranch.com/

Deep Branch appoints John Hays as Vice President of Commercial and Sales

As Vice President of Commercial and Sales, John will be responsible for enhancing the distribution and outlet for Deep Branch’s Proton™, a single-cell protein developed for the animal feed industry.

John will also explore alternative applications and potential products using (R)evolve™, Deep Branch’s proprietary gas fermentation platform technology.

John will play an active role in Deep Branch’s management team and act as a key spokesperson for the company, particularly on topics related to application and market development for Proton.

Deep Branch has appointed John Hays as its new Vice President of Commercial and Sales. John’s primary responsibilities will be to further develop distribution and outlet for the company’s flagship product Proton™ and explore alternative applications and potential products using (R)evolve™, its proprietary gas fermentation platform. He will also play an active role in Deep Branch’s management team and act as a key spokesperson for the company, particularly on application and market development topics for Proton.

John brings over 10 years of experience in finance and business development within the food and agriculture industries to Deep Branch. He joins the company from Cefetra Group, where he was Head of Business Development. During this time, John developed the company’s Road-to-Ingredients strategy and established partnerships in the venture food scene with industry platforms, university institutions and corporate venture capital firms. Prior to his role at the Cefetra Group, John was a Project Manager in BayWa AG’s Corporate Finance team for over three years.

With a strong track record of devising and executing strategies for bringing ingredients to market, John is the ideal person to shape Deep Branch’s commercialisation strategy for Proton. Proton is a single-cell protein developed for the animal feed industry. It is made from locally sourced ingredients and has a bespoke nutritional profile produced from microbes grown on clean and sustainable carbon dioxide. Proton provides security, transparency and traceability and is 60% less carbon-intensive than conventional proteins.

Commenting on his appointment, John said:

“I’ve been following the alternative protein space for a while, and Deep Branch was one of the standout companies with both the technology and vision to make a real difference. The sustainability savings are significant, the scalability makes it a needle-mover, and the economics prove it is a viable option. However, meeting the management team truly sold me on the company. I’m thrilled to join such a passionate team.”

Pete Rowe, Deep Branch’s CEO, added:

“This is a very exciting time for Deep Branch as we get ready to create Proton on a large scale. Our commercial plants will produce over 100,000 tons of Proton every year, and bringing the protein-rich powder to market will not only tackle the climate emergency but reduce the food industry’s impact on biodiversity loss. I’m delighted that John has joined our team and believe he will play a vital role in the commercialisation of Proton.”

Notes for editors

Link to images:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8emwefxwci0zoz7/AABR9HE394TuZuMsuexExCema?dl=0

Media enquiries:

Lee Lodge, Head of PR, Life Size Media
lee@lifesizemedia.com
Tel. +44 07812076914

About Deep Branch:

Founded in 2018, Deep Branch has approximately 30 staff based in the UK and the Netherlands. It works with feed producers in industries such as aquaculture and partners with upstream companies such as CO2 suppliers to deploy its technology efficiently and safely. Deep Branch has already established relationships with major international stakeholders, including Drax, BioMar and Sainsbury’s.

For more information, visit: https://deepbranch.com/

Deep Branch secures £4.8 million in BEIS funding to scale proprietary fermentation platform

Deep Branch has secured £4.8m in funding from the UK government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy£1 billionNet Zero Innovation Portfolio.
The funding will be used to finance the Deep Blue C project, accelerating the company’s growth as it commercialises its CO2-to-protein technology platform.
Deep Branch expects its first commercial production unit for its single-cell proteinProton™ to go live in 2027

NOTTINGHAM, UK – Deep Branch, a creator of sustainable, high-value food and feed ingredients, has secured £4.8m in funding from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio. The funding is part of the £20 million Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) Innovation 2.0 programme aimed at accelerating the deployment of next-generation CCUS technology in the UK.

The funding will be used to finance the Deep Blue C project, which will integrate carbon capture and low-carbon hydrogen ecosystems. Deep Blue C signifies an acceleration in Deep Branch’s growth as it commercialises its CO2-to-protein technology platform. Executing the project will enable the company to reduce the cost of design optimisations, lower capital expenditure and the cost of goods sold for its core fermentation process and improve downstream processing.

Deep Branch secured the funding in partnership with CPI, a leading independent deep tech innovation organisation that collaborates with partners in industry, academia, government and the investment community to accelerate the development and commercialisation of innovative products. The two partners have jointly developed a robust basis of safety for the process, which is already operating at a pilot scale.

Once the Deep Blue C project is completed, Deep Branch will deliver a feasibility study for its first commercial production unit for its single-cell protein Proton™, which is planned to go live in 2027. Deep Branch is planning multiple additional Proton™ production facilities, with an anticipated 600,000 tonnes per annum global capacity by 2030, utilising over one million tonnes of CO2 every year.

Commenting on securing the BEIS funding, Deep Branch’s CEO Pete Rowe said:

“This grant builds on our Innovate UK funded project, which has enabled us to develop strong commercial partnerships at both ends of the value chain. These include Drax Power Group at its biomass power station and leading sustainable aquafeed producer BioMar.”

“Deep Blue C will result in a significant increase in the production efficiencies of Proton™. By reducing production costs as we scale, Proton™ will ensure a highly significant saving in carbon footprint for feed producers that switch from concentrated soybean meal or fishmeal, without an unjustifiable price premium.”

Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Hands commented:

“As we accelerate the UK’s energy independence by boosting clean, home-grown, affordable energy, it’s crucial that our industries reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. This investment will help them to not only cut emissions but also save money on energy bills, on top of supporting jobs by encouraging green innovation across the UK.”

Yvonne Armitage, Biotechnology Director at CPI, added:

“We’re excited to build on our solid working relationship with Deep Branch and collaborate with the company’s experts to develop new technology that will ultimately improve the health of our planet. We will bring a wealth of technical support to the Deep Blue C project, having supported many biotech companies to deliver incredible innovation projects.”

Notes for editors

Link to images:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8emwefxwci0zoz7/AABR9HE394TuZuMsuexExCema?dl=0

Media enquiries:

Lee Lodge, Head of PR, Life Size Media
lee@lifesizemedia.com
Tel. +44 07812076914

About Deep Branch:

Founded in 2018, Deep Branch has approximately 30 staff based in the UK and the Netherlands. It works with feed producers in industries such as aquaculture and partners with upstream companies such as CO2 suppliers to deploy its technology efficiently and safely. Deep Branch has already established relationships with major international stakeholders, including Drax, BioMar and Sainsbury’s.

For more information, visit: https://deepbranch.com/

About CPI:

CPI takes great ideas and inventions, and makes them a reality. Born in the North East of England in 2004, CPI is an independent deep tech innovation organisation and a founding member of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult.

CPI’s team of intelligent people use advances in science and technology to solve the biggest global challenges in healthcare and sustainability. Through incredible people and innovation infrastructure, CPI collaborates with partners in industry, academia, government, and the investment community to accelerate the development and commercialisation of innovative products.

CPI’s work ranges from health technologies, advanced drug delivery systems, and medicines manufacturing innovations for multiple modalities including small molecules, biologics, and nucleic acids; to developing sustainable materials for energy storage and packaging, as well as novel food, feed, and nutraceuticals, that are all underpinned by digital technology. CPI turns the entrepreneurial spirit and radical thinking of its people and partners into incredible impact that makes our world a better place.

Let’s innovate together: https://www.uk-cpi.com/

About the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy

Leading economy-wide transformation by backing enterprise and long-term growth, generating cheaper, cleaner, homegrown energy and unleashing the UK as a science superpower through innovation.

This funding has been made available from the government’s £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, which looks to accelerate the commercialisation of low-carbon technologies and systems.

For more information, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-business-energy-and-industrial-strategy

Deep Branch and Landsvirkjun partner to accelerate the production of alternative proteins made from clean carbon dioxide and hydrogen

Deep Branch and Landsvirkjun have signed a memorandum of understanding to analyse the feasibility of constructing Deep Branch’s first commercial-scale plant in Iceland.
The plant will be used as a proof of concept to scale the production of Proton, Deep Branch’s single-cell protein made from clean carbon dioxide and hydrogen.
Deep Branch expects its first commercial production unit for Proton™ to go live in 2027.

ICELAND – Deep Branch, a creator of sustainable, high-value food and feed ingredients, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Landsvirkjun, the National Power Company of Iceland, to determine the feasibility of constructing Deep Branch’s first commercial-scale plant in Iceland. The facility will help scale the production of Proton, a single cell protein developed by Deep Branch for the animal feed industry.

Having already decarbonised 85% of its energy system, Iceland has the potential to utilise its abundant renewable resources to become the first fully green hydrogen economy. Landsvirkjun, the country’s largest electricity generator producing electricity with hydro, geothermal and wind power, is aiming to take a leading role in decarbonising the Icelandic economy and developing the country’s eco-industrial economy by collaborating with hydrogen-utilising industries and potential investors.

The agreement will see Deep Branch and Landsvirkjun collaborating to conduct a life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA). It will also affirm the companies’ commitment to work together and further explore the potential of eco-industrial clusters in Iceland. The outcomes of the TEA and LCA are expected to be delivered by the end of 2022.

Following the construction of its pilot plant in the Netherlands, Deep Branch is now evaluating potential locations for future commercial-scale facilities to be built within the next five years. The availability of hydrogen – the required energy source for the company’s continuous fermentation process – will be a crucial factor in the selection process, as well as the proximity of downstream markets such as feed producers and aquafarmers. Alongside the TEA, identifying a suitable location will be determined by the outcome of comparable LCA studies.

Commenting on the new partnership, Pete Rowe, Deep Branch’s CEO, said:

“Collaborating with Landsvirkjun, a leading innovator in the energy industry, is a deliberate step in our process of determining the optimal location for our first commercial production facility. Iceland is a strong example of how renewable energy can power a modern economy and be utilised as a resource in the agriculture industry. The prospect of both upstream and downstream synergies makes this an exciting starting point for collaborative innovation, especially as we expect the first commercial production unit for our single-cell protein Proton™ to go live in 2027.”

Sigurdur Markusson, Executive Director of Innovation at Landsvirkjun, added:

“Our collaboration with Deep Branch is a very exciting step in Iceland’s eco-industrial development and a positive contribution to the early development of the country’s hydrogen economy. We believe that Iceland can play a big role in powering new and innovative solutions for the food system with our unique access to renewable resources. Deep Branch is a great fit as a partner as its distinctive production process could promote new circular opportunities and create value for Iceland’s rapidly expanding land and sea-based aquaculture industry.”

Notes for editors

Link to images:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10HCFozScdiwh3dYxoTsZas6AzOhdn4Z3?usp=sharing

Media enquiries:

Lee Lodge, Head of PR, Life Size Media
lee@lifesizemedia.com
Tel. +44 07812076914

About Deep Branch:

Deep Branch creates sustainable, high-value food and feed ingredients to support a more sustainable food system. The company’s proprietary technology uses carbon dioxide and hydrogen as clean and renewable carbon and energy sources to deliver next-generation bio-based products.

Founded in 2018, Deep Branch has approximately 30 staff based in the UK and the Netherlands. It works with feed producers in industries such as aquaculture and partners with upstream companies such as carbon dioxide suppliers to deploy its technology efficiently and safely. Deep Branch has already established relationships with major international stakeholders, including Drax, BioMar and Sainsbury’s.

For more information, visit: https://deepbranch.com/

About Landsvirkjun:

Landsvirkjun is Iceland’s largest energy company and produces electricity solely from renewable energy resources; hydroelectric, geothermal and wind energy. Landsvirkjun owns and operates 18 power stations, including 15 hydropower stations and 3 geothermal stations, as well as two wind turbines. Landsvirkjun’s vision is a sustainable world, powered by renewable energy.

For more information, visit: https://www.landsvirkjun.com/

5 ways Proton contributes to a more sustainable feed industry

The world has two significant challenges to overcome that are intrinsically linked. Firstly, animal feed demand is set to double by 2050 to supply the growing population. At the same time, protein for animal diets is too resource-intensive to meet growing demand.

However, there is an answer to this problem. We’ve developed our single-cell protein, Proton™, specifically for the animal feed industry. Here are five ways it is enabling a more sustainable feed industry.

1. The core technology used to produce Proton utilises clean recycled carbon dioxide, reducing the reliance on arable land for protein production.

We create protein using a process called gas fermentation, where natural microbes are cultivated using clean carbon dioxide and hydrogen. We have proven the technology, using carbon dioxide from the bioenergy plant of Drax Power Group, the UK’s biggest renewable energy provider. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, a world-leading carbon capture technology developer, has demonstrated its ability to purify carbon dioxide produced by Drax, which we have then fed into our process, showing we can produce clean protein with no need for arable land.

2. Proton is produced locally driving down transportation needs and costs.

Whereas most of the world’s protein used in animal feed is produced in South America and shipped elsewhere, Proton can be produced anywhere with renewable energy and carbon dioxide. By producing Proton in Europe for the continent’s salmon feed industry, the protein-rich ingredient significantly drives down the costs and carbon emissions associated with transportation. By reducing and optimising the freight distances of the animal feed supply chain, we estimate that the annual production of 100,000 tonnes of Proton would save the equivalent of 60,000 barrels of oil by avoiding transcontinental shipping.

3. Proton prevents deforestation

Contrary to plant-based protein sources, the gas fermentation process on which our core technology is based doesn’t require arable land, favourable weather conditions or sunlight. The microbes used to produce Proton are cultivated in fermentation vessels that only require renewable energy and carbon dioxide. With increasing demand to grow crops for food, animal feed and biofuel, deforestation to make way for arable land is causing dramatic biodiversity loss. We calculate that producing 100,000 tonnes of Proton will prevent the requirement for a soy plantation three times the size of Paris.

4. Steering the animal industry away from needing arable land reduces biodiversity loss caused by deforestation and overfishing.

The current model for producing protein for animal feed comes at another environmental cost. Deforestation has been linked to biodiversity loss due to the destruction of natural habitats for hundreds, sometimes thousands of species. Similarly, most of the elements in fish feed come from the traditional fishing of wild species to feed farmed fish, leading to biodiversity loss in our oceans. Switching from conventional protein sources reliant on arable land or fishmeal (produced from wild fish) to Proton gives us a chance to preserve and restore natural habitats and biodiversity.

5. Proton requires minimal amounts of water.

Agricultural practices associated with the production of plant-based proteins for animal feed require enormous amounts of water. As animal feed is set to double by 2050, protein sources that rely on arable land will add to the already pressing issue of water scarcity, which is becoming more acute in a growing number of regions worldwide due to rising temperatures and high levels of water consumption. Because Proton is produced in a controlled environment, we’re able to be extremely water efficient.

The sustainability of animal farming and the reduction of emissions are two of the biggest problems of our time. At Deep Branch, we’re tackling these problems through the development of Proton™. Rather than relying on conventional protein sources like fishmeal and soy, with Proton feed producers can effectively lower their carbon footprint across the entire value chain and produce animal feed in a sustainable manner.

Learn more about the technology behind Proton here

Deep Branch and BioMar agree strategic partnership to enhance the aquaculture industry

Deep Branch and BioMar have signed a long-term agreement to redefine conventional aquaculture feed ingredients and improve the aquaculture industry.
The partnership’s initial focus will be to optimise salmon feed using Proton™, a single cell protein developed by Deep Branch.
Deep Branch and BioMar will conduct a wide range of nutritional assessments to test the performance and digestibility of the protein-rich ingredient for fish health and growth.

NOTTINGHAM, UK – Deep Branch and BioMar have signed a long-term technical and commercial partnership to redefine traditional aquaculture feed ingredients and improve the aquaculture industry’s efficiency, profitability and sustainability. The immediate focus of the cooperation will be to optimise salmon feed using Proton™, a single cell protein developed by Deep Branch for the feed industry, as a primary protein source.

Deep Branch uses clean and renewable carbon and energy sources to create ingredients for a more sustainable food system. The company has established strong partnerships across the value chain as it deploys its proprietary technology with a clear scale-up roadmap. By collaborating with local providers of strategic raw materials, Deep Branch ensures demand for food and feed can be met sustainably, without customers compromising on nutrition or quality.

BioMar is a leading supplier of aquaculture feed driving the uptake of sustainable feeds through its Blue Impact diets. The company encourages and stimulates regenerative practices in its supply chain and has set targets for the minimum inclusion of circular and restorative ingredients in its products. Furthermore, BioMar is aiming to decouple feed supply chains from environmental degradation and directly competing with food for human consumption.

To kick off the partnership, Deep Branch will transport Proton™ from its facility in the Netherlands to BioMar’s Technology Centre in Denmark to produce Proton™-based feed until the end of 2022. The companies will conduct a full suite of nutritional assessments in Denmark, Norway and the UK to test the protein-rich ingredient. These tests will focus on performance, digestibility and other parameters essential for fish health and growth.

Commenting on the partnership, Deep Branch’s CEO Pete Rowe said:

“The world needs to move from making pledges to taking action, and we are passionate about industrial ecology underpinning the next generation of food production. We see BioMar as a key partner in bringing Proton™ to market as its ambitious targets and commitment to collaboration fully align with ours.”

“Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. We have a unique opportunity to create new value chains and ensure this is a net positive for all stakeholders. Our partnership with BioMar will create a powerful message for potential upstream partners that supplying hydrogen and carbon dioxide to our facilities can directly decarbonise our food systems.”

Paddy Campbell, VP Salmon at BioMar Group, added:

“At BioMar, we’re constantly seeking innovative raw materials that don’t compete with human food production and using nutrients from by-products that minimise waste. So we’re excited to have established this strategic partnership with Deep Branch.”

“Deep Branch is a company that shares our vision and passion for a sustainable food and aquaculture system. Driving a breakthrough innovation such as Proton™ requires collaboration across the value chain, and we look forward to working together to make Proton™ a commercial reality in our aquafeeds.”

Both Deep Branch and BioMar are part of the end-to-end, value chain-wide REACT-FIRST consortium, supported by grant funding from Innovate UK. The REACT-FIRST programme is designed to obtain critical data on the cost, digestibility, nutritional quality and carbon footprint of Proton™ and is the first step towards the ingredient’s commercial development.

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About Deep Branch:

Deep Branch creates sustainable, high-value food and feed ingredients to support a more sustainable food system. The company’s proprietary technology uses CO2 and hydrogen as clean and renewable carbon and energy sources to deliver next-generation bio-based products.

Founded in 2018, Deep Branch has approximately 30 staff based in the UK and the Netherlands. It works with feed producers in industries such as aquaculture and partners with upstream companies such as CO2 suppliers to deploy its technology efficiently and safely. Deep Branch has already established relationships with major international stakeholders, including Drax, BioMar and Sainsbury’s.

For more information, visit: https://deepbranch.com/

About BioMar Group:

BioMar are innovators in high performance aquaculture feed dedicated to doing our part in creating a healthy and sustainable global aquaculture industry. BioMar operates 17 feed factories across the globe in Norway, Chile, Denmark, Scotland, Spain, France, Greece, Turkey, China, Vietnam, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Australia. Worldwide, we supply feed to around 90 countries and for more than 45 different species. BioMar is wholly owned by the Danish industrial group Schouw & Co, which is listed on the NASDAQ, Copenhagen.

Learn more about BioMar: https://www.biomar.com/