Within the shifting landscape of the protein industry, technology plays a crucial factor. Biotechnology, artificial intelligence, data analytics and blockchain can function as an accelerator towards a more sustainable future.

Advanced technologies are rapidly changing and disrupting industries – including the protein industry. The following technologies could be relevant for the future of protein: 

1. Biotechnology 
Several high-tech companies are using biotechnology to create alternatives to animal-based protein. For instance, the US-based company Impossible Foods researches animal-based protein products at a molecular level and selects specific proteins and nutrients from plants to mimic these products as closely as possible. According to a third party-validated report by sustainability consultancy Quantis, Impossible Foods’ signature product, the Impossible Burger, requires 87 percent less water, releases 89 percent less greenhouse gases and spares 99 percent more land compared to beef from cows.

Other start-ups aim to bring lab-grown meat into the mainstream, using cellular agriculture and tissue engineering to grow meat. One of them is the US-based company JUST. Apart from cultured meat, JUST produces plant-based versions of products that traditionally contain eggs, such as mayonnaise, dressings, cookies and breakfast proteins.

2. Playing at the edge to get an edge
The increased means to collect, share and analyse data create exciting possibilities for protein companies. For instance, data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) pave the way for precision agriculture, through which farmers can maximise their results. 

3. Blockchain
Blockchain can create more transparency, security and efficiency across the supply chain of protein companies. While blockchain applications remain relatively nascent, adoption is increasing and it has the potential to be the value chain infrastructure of the future. A notable example of the use of blockchain in the protein industry is the Arla Milkchain, created by the Danish dairy company Arla Foods. It provides customers with full traceability of its product Single Estate Organic Milk. Information from the milk production process up to processing at the creamery is stored on a blockchain.

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