Nutris develops a new generation of functional plant proteins through the ALBUbean project

PROJECT INFORMATION

Project name: ALBUBean – Development of an innovative albumin isolate from fava beans for functional food supplements and medical nutrition (PK.1.1.12.0198)

Beneficiary: NutriS d.o.o. za proizvodnju i trgovinu

Project partners: Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Food Technology Osijek, and PIP pčelarstvo, priroda, tehnika, d.o.o.

Objective and brief description of activities:

The aim of the project is to develop innovative products based on the albumin fraction of fava bean protein: an albumin powder for reconstitution and an oral solution. These products respond to the growing market need for a high-quality, plant-based, hypoallergenic and functional protein with high solubility, stability and nutritional value. They are intended for the EU, UK, US and Australian markets, with a particular focus on vegetarians, flexitarians, people with special dietary needs, the elderly, convalescents, athletes and active consumers.

The project will develop and optimise a process for the selective isolation of albumin without the use of organic solvents, using water, mechanical forces and controlled pH and temperature conditions. This will yield a standardised albumin isolate that will serve as the basis for innovative products ready for market validation and further commercialisation. The project will strengthen the beneficiary's research and development capacities, support intellectual property filings, increase investment in research and development, and create the conditions for growth in sales and export revenue.

The particular value of the project comes from linking innovation with the principles of sustainable production and the circular economy. The planned technological process includes a high level of water recirculation, more efficient use of energy and maximum utilisation of fava bean fractions. This creates the basis for market-relevant products with higher added value, while contributing to the green transition, the sustainable use of resources and stronger competitiveness in international markets.

Total project value: EUR 3,330,856.18

Total eligible costs: EUR 3,309,839.02

EU share of financing: EUR 1,934,959.94

Implementation period: 1 October 2025 – 1 October 2028

Contact person for further information: Damir Radmilović, [email protected]