Protelux Company Profile

Background

Protelux is a biotechnology company specializing in the recycling of used frying oils and fats, as well as the processing and recycling of animal waste. Established in the 1960s as a family business, Protelux has over 50 years of experience serving professionals in the catering and food industries. The company operates in the waste management and renewable energy sectors, focusing on sustainable practices and environmental responsibility.

Key Strategic Focus

Protelux's strategic focus includes:

Core Objectives: To provide efficient and environmentally friendly recycling services for used frying oils and animal waste, transforming them into valuable products like biodiesel and protein.

Areas of Specialization: Recycling of used frying oils and fats from restaurants, hotels, canteens, and snack bars; collection and recycling of fats and bones from butcheries for industrial use.

Key Technologies Utilized: Protelux employs advanced recycling processes, including the transformation of used frying oils into eco-friendly biodiesel, and utilizes Unibio's U-Loop® technology for producing high-quality protein from methane.

Primary Markets Targeted: The company serves the catering, food service, and industrial sectors, focusing on clients in Belgium, Luxembourg, and Russia.

Financials and Funding

Protelux has secured significant investments to support its growth and technological advancements:

Total Funds Raised: Approximately $35 million invested in the construction of a 6,000-ton per year methane-to-feed protein plant in Russia.

Recent Funding Rounds: In May 2021, Protelux's parent company, Stafilies, entered into a strategic partnership with Unibio, acquiring a shareholding in Unibio in exchange for cash and intellectual property.

Notable Investors: The investment group includes former co-owner of Absolut Bank, Mikhail Serdtsev, former stockholder of the PIK Group, Kirill Pisarev, and a Finland-based holding company uniting Lihatukku Jouni Partanen Oy, Pajuniemi, and Maalaistuote Vataja Oy.

Intended Utilization of Capital: The capital has been utilized for the construction and commissioning of the methane-to-feed protein plant in Russia, as well as for expanding Protelux's production capabilities and technological advancements.

Pipeline Development

Protelux has developed a significant pipeline in the field of sustainable protein production:

Key Pipeline Candidates: The primary product is Uniprotein®, a high-quality protein produced from methane using Unibio's U-Loop® technology.

Stages of Development: The first industrial-scale production plant in Ivangorod, Russia, has been constructed and is in the commissioning phase, with plans to scale up production.

Target Conditions: The product is intended for use in animal and fish feed, addressing the global demand for sustainable protein sources.

Anticipated Milestones: Protelux aims to increase production capacity to 20,000 tons per year and expand its operations with additional facilities in Russia.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Protelux distinguishes itself through the following technological platforms and innovations:

Proprietary Technologies: Utilization of Unibio's U-Loop® continuous-flow fermentation process for converting methane into high-quality protein.

Significant Scientific Methods: Application of methanotrophic bacteria in the fermentation process to produce Uniprotein®, a sustainable protein source.

Leadership Team

Protelux's leadership team comprises experienced professionals:

Christophe Duchene: CEO of Protelux, overseeing operations and strategic direction.

Mikhail Serdtsev: Founding shareholder of Protelux, involved in strategic partnerships and investment decisions.

Kirill Pisarev: Co-investor in Protelux, contributing to the company's growth and expansion strategies.

Market Insights and Competitor Profile

The market for sustainable protein production is experiencing significant growth due to increasing global demand for alternative protein sources and the need for environmentally friendly production methods. Protelux's focus on methane-to-protein technology positions it favorably in this expanding market.

Key competitors in the sustainable protein production sector include:

Unibio: A Danish company that developed the U-Loop® technology for producing protein from methane.

Metanika: A Russian company involved in the production of protein from methane, similar to Protelux's operations.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Protelux has established a strategic partnership with Unibio to enhance the development of industrial-scale production of Uniprotein®. This collaboration includes shared intellectual property and potential future investments.

Operational Insights

Protelux's strategic considerations include leveraging its technological capabilities to scale production, expanding its market presence, and differentiating itself through sustainable practices and innovative protein production methods.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Protelux aims to expand its production capacity, establish additional facilities, and strengthen its position in the global market for sustainable protein. The company's focus on innovative technologies and strategic partnerships supports its growth trajectory.

Contact Information

Protelux maintains a presence in Nevraumont, Belgium, specializing in the recycling of used frying oils and fats. The company is headquartered in Ivangorod, Leningrad Region, Russian Federation.