Environmental impact
Our protein research agenda is based on a double challenge: to provide high quality food and feed products for a growing world population, within the context of shrinking natural resources. Protein sources play a pivotal role in this double challenge, since a substantial part of the growing demand is related to animal products which leverages an even higher demand on protein feedstocks and subsequent environmental impact (Livestock’s long shadow, FAO 2006).
To assess the environmental upside of novel protein sources for feed and food applications, careful studies are needed, especially in an area where societal emotions may outpace science-based facts. In this line of research we perform LCA’s to compare different protein sources, but also to relate typical diets to their subsequent environmental impact.