Avebe opens energy-saving Protastar Potato Protein Factory Extension in Gasselternijveen

Member of the Provincial Executive Tjisse Stelpstra opened Tuesday the new ‘Inline Protastar’ factory located at potato starch manufacturer Avebe's production complex in Gasselternijveen, The Netherlands.

This factory extension will make it possible for the Protastar protein to be produced at a single location. This investment represents an important step in the execution of Avebe’s strategy that focuses on sustainability.

Protastar is a top quality protein – derived from starch potatoes – for the animal feed industry. The standard protein used to be dried at the production facility in Gasselternijveen and then transported to the facility in Foxhol for further processing. At the new factory in Gasselternijveen this process takes place at a single location, connected to the existing processes.

CO₂ reduction

With this investment Avebe will be saving a drying step that corresponds to an annual reduction of 10,000 tons of CO₂. The company is also reducing the annual number of transport kilometres by 40,000. Avebe’s overall CO₂ emission is thus being reduced by 3 percent, which corresponds to the CO₂ emission of about 1250 households.

Drenthe Green Deal

The provincial authority and the national government are supporting the energy-saving project together with a Drenthe Green Deal of € 1.5 million. As well as the energy saving, this new factory may also make it possible for Avebe to extend the protein production for food for human consumption in the future. This is a rapidly growing international market. This investment will enable us to make better use of these opportunities.