Noblesse Proteins invests in efficiency and new markets
Noblesse Proteins transforms poultry by-products into high-quality proteins and fats for feed applications, contributing to a circular food system and a sustainable protein supply. They supply premium protein meal and fats derived from Category 3 poultry by-products to a wide range of industries worldwide, including ingredients for animal feed, pet food, aquafeed, and biofuel. The company is based in Wijster and employs around fifty people.
In 2009, a consortium of Dutch poultry slaughterhouses came up with the idea to valorise poultry slaughterhouse by-products. Before long, the business idea was developed and Noblesse Proteins BV was founded. The factory opened in 2011 and continued to expand. The year 2019 marked a dark chapter in its history, when a major fire caused significant damage. A year later, the company rose from the ashes. This was followed by a period of reconstruction, during which investments were made to improve production processes. For example, Noblesse focused on automation through the purchase of two new fully automated production lines.
Sustainability
Sustainability is an important topic for the company. Noblesse operates on Energy Transition Park Midden-Drenthe where they have partnered with other businesses around them to create a win-win for all. The steam which is used for several processes in the factory is a residual by-product coming from the adjacent waste incinerator plant. In addition, a cooperation has been established with a water purification plant at which residual water is purified to surface water quality.
Appealing
Richard de Vries has been with the company for nearly a year now as Manager of Commerce. “I chose Noblesse because of the company’s solid foundation and its stable market,” he says. “At the same time, I was attracted by its ambition to innovate and explore new markets. That combination really appeals to me.” De Vries comes from the food industry and previously worked for companies including FrieslandCampina and Jellice Pioneer Europe.
Unique
Noblesse Proteins has a unique business model. The company’s shareholders are five leading poultry producers in the Netherlands, ensuring a steady and reliable supply of raw materials. The five shareholders also contribute ideas about potential new markets for the company. “To support this, we have hired an innovation manager. We believe there are more opportunities for our ingredients, such as poultry meat meal, feather meal, and poultry fat. We want to make the most of everything the chicken has to offer. Doing so our innovation strategy also puts a lot of focus on all by products available potentially resulting in new products for food and pharma as well.”
Membership
This new strategy, exploring further commercialization of poultry side streams, is a key reason for joining IFFI. “This network can open doors for us to new collaborations and knowledge sharing.”
Future plans
In the coming years, the company will continue to focus on improving existing processes within the factory and increasing efficiency and developing new opportunities. More info: https://noblesseproteins.nl/
Richard de Vries
Manager of Commerce at Noblesse Proteins