Investing into the creation of low-cost, solvent-free canola & hemp proteins

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The innovative processing approach will support the commercialization of hemp and canola ingredients

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, May 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The need for more sustainably produced food products requires innovative crops and processes that positively impact the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To capitalize on this opportunity, Protein Industries Canada is co-investing in a new venture with Blue Sky Hemp Ventures Ltd. and Virtex Grain Exchange and Thar Process to develop protein processing technology in Canada, create new high-protein ingredients, and support the commercialization of hemp. and canola ingredients.

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Using cutting-edge, sustainable, solvent-free technology, combined with Blue Sky's unique “whole plant” model, the partners will produce high-protein ingredients from canola and hemp for use in food products that are expected to have a negative carbon footprint. These developments are expected to open new markets for truly sustainable baking products and plant-based dairy and meat alternatives.

“This project, led by Blue Sky Hemp Ventures, is a great example of how Protein Industries Canada is helping position this country as a leader in sustainable processing technology and a supplier of high-quality ingredients,” said The Honorable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “Commercializing hemp and canola ingredients in a sustainable and cost-effective way creates new economic value, and supporting the project will help attract investments from international markets.”

“Canada is a leader in developing agricultural technology. This innovative project will help provide Canadians with more sustainably produced food options while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the growth of the ingredients and value-added manufacturing sector,” said Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence Macaulay.

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The project focuses on demonstrating the commercial viability of this new approach to recovering the vast majority of oil without the use of potentially harmful chemicals such as hexane. By avoiding high temperatures and chemical treatments, the resulting meal can be broken down into high-quality proteins and gluten-free flour at a relatively low cost – all while sequestering carbon dioxide through Blue Sky’s “whole plant” model. Working with strategic partners, the project will develop commercially ready products intended for use in the alternative dairy, meat and bakery sectors. This progress in new canola and hemp processing will create new economic opportunities for Canada.

“There is tremendous economic potential for Canada in ingredient manufacturing. By developing new, sustainable technologies, like this one, Canada will advance our ingredient manufacturing sector and reach our $25 billion opportunity,” said Bill Greuel, CEO of Protein Industries Canada. “Global innovation clusters are working to de-risk Canadian innovation to help position Canada as a leader in sustainable technology and a supplier of high-quality components.”

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More than $5.9 million is being invested in this project, with the partners investing $4.2 million, and Protein Industries Canada investing the remaining $1.6 million.

The project will scale up CO2 extraction technology, with Blue Sky, the project leader, working to optimize the process by testing oils and assessing the technical and economic impact of hemp and canola crop inputs.

“Blue Sky is excited to showcase this high-value project commercially. “We truly see this project as a win for farmers by adding more value to canola and hemp crops, for consumers by developing a new range of nutritious and environmentally sustainable ingredients, and for the planet by sequestering carbon dioxide Through a whole-plant model,” said Potter, CEO of Blue Sky Hemp Ventures.

Virtex processes and purifies canola as these processes can easily be adapted to hemp. Virtex has been working closely with Blue Sky for several years on refining projects and will supply high-fat canola meal for further processing in terms of protein extraction.

“Virtex is very pleased and excited to be significantly involved in this project because of the positive, impactful and beneficial options it provides for our environment and the Canadian food sector. We believe this project will answer some of the questions surrounding sustainability,” said Stanley Chukukello, Director of Quality Assurance and Quality Control at Virtex Grain Exchange. crops and offers some solutions to issues related to adding value to canola and hemp.”

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Thar will provide initial equipment for the project and will work closely with Blue Sky to design a large-scale system for deployment at large-scale oilseed crushing facilities as an economical alternative to existing operations.

“Canada is leading the way in moving beyond hydrocarbon solvents and into recycled technologies like supercritical CO2 extraction, and we are humbled to play our part with our friends at Blue Sky and Virtex,” said Todd Balcic, president and chief revenue officer of Thar Process.

Protein Industries Canada is one of Canada's five global innovation clusters. Protein Industries Canada and its members are working to seize the $25 billion opportunity presented by Canada's ingredient manufacturing, food processing and bioproducts sector. Such projects add value to Canadian crops, create new markets for them, generate local jobs and support new economic development in locations across Canada. More information can be found at theroadto25billion.ca.

for more information:

Celine George
Protein Industries Canada
celeen@proteinsupercluster.ca
204-295-7925

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About Blue Sky Hemp Ventures

Blue Sky Hemp Ventures, founded in 2017 in Rosetown, Saskatchewan, is a privately held Canadian company at the forefront of whole-plant use of hemp ingredients, hemp extracts and sustainable industrial products. Committed to sustainability and innovation, Blue Sky delivers high-quality hemp and hemp products wholesale throughout North America and the world, contributing to a “better world, fueled by hemp.”

About Virtex Grain Exchange

Founded in 2009 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Virtex Grain Exchange is owned by over 80 farmers. Virtex is a value-added venture where farmers grow, process and market non-GMO pressed canola oil for the North American health food market. Virtex also sells high-fat canola meal in the North American and Chinese markets. Its facility can process 2,500 tons of canola per month and is 45,000 square feet while operating a fleet of 21 railcars distributing oil across North America. It prides itself on being the only farmer-owned company in North America that goes fully farm-to-table with non-GMO canola oil.

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About Operation Thar

Aquareyn, through its subsidiary Thar Process, is a platform technology company that develops and designs applications and equipment solutions based on supercritical CO2. From extraction to purification to drying to processing – the Aquareyn/Thar process has done it all for the world's most innovative pharmaceutical, food, packaged goods and chemical companies. The company is headquartered in a 78,000 square foot facility in Pittsburgh but provides service and support globally.

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