Uzwil (Switzerland), Urdorf (Switzerland), June 28, 2022 – Swiss Bühler Group and MMS AG in Urdorf, Zurich, announce an innovation and technology partnership to drive the development of high functionality ingredients for sustainable meat and dairy analogues. MMS’s expertise in membrane technology enables the separation of valuable components with superior functionality, sensory, and nutritional benefits. In combination with Bühler’s processing expertise and upstream and downstream technologies for the plant-based protein market, the partnership provides the opportunity to explore the next generation of meat and dairy analogues.
“With this exciting technology partnership, we will bring new processes to the market that unlock the next level in terms of product quality, nutrition, and sensory characteristics,” says Ian Roberts, Bühler CTO. The plant-based protein market is growing rapidly, and consumers are increasingly looking for high-quality, tasty, nutritious products as a sustainable alternative to meat and dairy. To meet these tough criteria requires ingredients with superior functionality. MMS membrane technology can deliver plant protein ingredients that are both sustainable and of highest quality.
The technology is a differentiating solution particularly in the space of sustainable protein because it allows separation of valuable components without denaturation or loss of properties of the native ingredients. MMS has a strong track record of solving complex separation and fractionation challenges in the food and bio pharma industries. With a highly skilled team, deep knowledge and experience in dairy processing, and a problem-solving culture, they continuously deliver new, innovative and highly selective industrial membrane separation solutions. The non-thermal separation and concentration capabilities remove the need for energy intensive thermal processes and the water used is significantly reduced by recycling. It is therefore beneficial in terms of helping customers achieve their sustainability targets and is fully in line with Bühler’s target of providing solutions to reduce waste, energy and water in its customers’ operations by 50% by 2025.
Complementary technologies
With their leading capability in technologies for the production of plant-based proteins, Bühler sees many benefits in working with MMS to integrate its technology in the solutions it provides its customers worldwide in the food industry.
MMS has been providing membrane systems and solutions for over 25 years, working with customers in many industries including dairy, food, beverages, biotech and pharma. It develops and designs membrane processes and successfully implements them on an industrial scale.
“There are many complementarities with multiple business segments where Bühler operates and where MMS’s membrane technology could be a part of downstream processing,” says Ian Roberts, Bühler CTO. “MMS is highly specialized in this technology step and share our spirit for problem solving and innovation. We see them as a powerhouse for multiple applications in the space of liquid-liquid fractionation.”
“By entering the partnership with Bühler, we want to strengthen our position in the sustainable plant-based protein space and widen the use of our technology as an opportunity to bring superior quality ingredients to customers in these sectors,” says George Bou-Habib, MMS CEO.
About MMS
MMS Membrane Systems are specialists in membrane filtration technology for dairy, food & beverage, extracts, biotech, chemical, and water reuse applications. We offer a unique Process Development Service, which is ideal for development of pioneering products and ideas, a wide range of versatile lab & pilot systems, in addition to high-performing industrial scale systems, replacement membranes, and maintenance of membrane systems. Our dedicated teams design and supply membrane processes, units, and systems for processing of high-value feed streams with attention to minimized environmental footprint.
About Bühler
Bühler is driven by its purpose of creating innovations for a better world, balancing the needs of economy, humanity, and nature. As a relevant solution partner for the food and mobility industries, Bühler is committed to have solutions ready to multiply by 2025 at the latest that will reduce energy, waste, and water by 50% in its customers’ value chains. Billions of people come into contact with Bühler technologies as they cover their basic needs for food and mobility every day. Two billion people each day enjoy foods produced on Bühler equipment; and one billion people travel in vehicles manufactured using parts produced with Bühler technology. Countless people wear eyeglasses, use smart phones, and read newspapers and magazines – all of which depend on Bühler process technologies and solutions. Having this global relevance, Bühler is in a unique position to turn today’s global challenges into sustainable business. Bühler contributes to safely feeding the world and is doing its part to protect the climate, producing solutions that make cars, buildings, and machinery more energy efficient.
Bühler invests up to 5% of turnover into research and development. In 2021, some 12,500 employees generated a turnover of CHF 2.7 billion. As a Swiss family-owned company, Bühler is active in 140 countries around the world and operates a global network of 103 service stations, 30 manufacturing sites, and Application & Training Centers in 24 countries.
