R&D - Project

WAL’PROT Ongoing

Deployment of the plant-based and alternative protein sector in Wallonia.

WAL'PROT aims to valorize protein sources from crops, co-products, discarded plants, insects, and microalgae, via a cascading and multi-sectoral approach.

Assortment of legumes and cereals in bowls
Macro of oil and air bubbles on green background
Vanilla and chocolate protein powders with scoops

The WAL'PROT portfolio aims to develop new avenues for valorizing plant-based and alternative proteins intended for human consumption. It seeks to offer innovative and sustainable solutions that meet the needs of the agri-food sector, by exploring proteins from dedicated crops as well as those from discarded plant materials, industrial co-products, or alternative resources such as insects and microalgae. The chosen approach is based on a cascading valorization model, which allows for the full utilization of all by-products generated during protein transformation processes and opens up new perspectives for multi-sectoral applications.

The WAL'PROT project portfolio aims to develop new avenues for valorizing plant-based and alternative proteins for the human food sector. This will involve proposing advanced solutions to valorize new protein sources not only from dedicated crops but also from discarded plant materials, agri-food industry co-products, microalgae, and insects. WAL'PROT also proposes integrating a cascading valorization model for all by-products generated during protein transformation processes through a multi-sectoral approach. It will contribute to addressing two main challenges:

  • 1st challenge: Contribute to the protein independence of the Walloon Region through the study and valorization of new plant-based and alternative protein sources.
  • 2nd challenge: Propose innovative processes for the transformation and functionalization of these proteins, and implement tools for industry professionals to accelerate the emergence of the value chain in Wallonia (and the creation of added value).