The increasing demand for alternative proteins, driven by factors such as dietary trends, environmental concerns, and a rising global population, is projected to account for 11% of the global protein market by 2035. However, achieving this growth will require advanced technologies and specialized expertise to address current scalability and production efficiency challenges.
In alternative protein production, pumps play a vital role in accurate additive dosing, transferring protein products, and maintaining optimal conditions. Selecting the right pumping technologies can help manufacturers overcome bioprocessing challenges and ensure the cultivation of viable cells.
To compete with conventional products, alternative protein manufacturers must keep production costs down to make their products affordable and accessible to a wider market. This is challenging given the high investment required in life sciences equipment like fermenters and bioreactors. However, strategic choices in pump technology selection can help save money by improving efficiency, reducing downtime associated with cleaning, and minimizing waste of expensive additives.
Quality and consistency are crucial in the alternative protein industry to match or exceed the quality of animal-based proteins and maintain consumer loyalty. Selecting pumps with low-shear capabilities can protect the integrity of the final product, ensuring consistent high-quality output and minimizing the risk of batch loss due to inconsistencies between batches.
Scaling up from lab-scale or pilot-scale production to commercial-scale presents challenges for startups in the alternative proteins sector. Selecting scalable and reliable pump systems is essential to streamline the scaling process, avoid costly bottlenecks, and maintain consistency and efficiency as production scales.
Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions (WMFTS) offers a range of peristaltic pump solutions tailored for alternative protein production. Their pumps can optimize every process step, handle a variety of materials, and support manufacturers in scaling to commercialization. With a global logistics network, WMFTS can help alternative protein manufacturers achieve their growth goals.
In conclusion, the alternative protein industry is poised for significant growth, but overcoming scalability and production efficiency challenges requires the right pumping technologies and expertise. By selecting pumps that are cost-effective, high-quality, and scalable, manufacturers can streamline operations, maintain consistency, and achieve long-term success in this emerging industry.
