Creating new value for Unlock 30

NBD’s primary responsibility is to develop new markets and applications for the co-products Duynie works with. In doing so, NBD increasingly aligns its activities with the markets in which Duynie already holds a strong position through its Ingredients, Feed and Renewables divisions. Together, they identify the characteristics customers are looking for and determine how co-products can be used to provide distinctive solutions.

At the same time, NBD makes a direct contribution to the Unlock 30 strategy. The team focuses on projects that support long-term growth by developing new applications for co-products, driven by both market demand and the potential of available raw material streams. Robbert explains: “We are now making much more targeted choices about which projects contribute most to our strategic objectives and to increasing the value of our co-products.”

According to Robbert, Duynie's strength lies in its unique combination of expertise across Feed, Renewables, Ingredients and New Business Development. “This enables us to look beyond individual markets and identify the most suitable applications for co-products. By bringing together knowledge from across our business, we can help suppliers unlock new opportunities and maximise the potential of their co-product streams in a sustainable and future-oriented way.”

Innovation as part of a full-service offering

For suppliers, continuity, reliability and maximising value from their co-products are essential. NBD supports this by continuously developing new valorisation opportunities. As a result, Duynie’s service offering extends far beyond logistics and market access.

A strong example is the LIFE project in Mons France, where brewers’ grains are separated into a protein fraction and a fibre fraction. The protein is used in feed, pet food and food applications, while the fibres contribute to sustainable energy generation. This creates greater value from the same raw material stream.

The project demonstrates how Duynie’s developed technology can unlock additional value from existing raw material streams while simultaneously creating new markets for Ingredients, Feed and future technical applications.

It is precisely this combination of reliable market access and continuous innovation that makes Duynie unique in the market.

Collaboration with Ingredients, Feed and Renewables

NBD works closely with the Ingredients division to translate market needs into new fibre, protein and starch applications for food, pet food, and technical markets. According to Robbert, one of the most promising areas of innovation is the development of fibre applications from brewers’ grains and sugar beet pulp, such as Betabind. These streams combine scale, availability, and sustainability. In addition to applications in feed and food, he sees opportunities in technical markets where sustainable, bio-based materials are becoming increasingly important.

Within Feed, the focus is on optimising the use of raw material streams across different animal groups, while also addressing challenges such as mycotoxins. Together with Renewables, new applications are being explored, including organic fertilisers and other circular solutions.

By combining the strengths of different end markets, Duynie can identify the optimal application for each raw material stream. This not only enhances value creation but also strengthens Duynie’s position in the competition for scarce raw materials. Suppliers benefit from a partner that continuously seeks new ways to create more value from their co-products.

“The potential of our raw materials is enormous, and it is inspiring to work together with colleagues and partners to continually discover new opportunities to create greater value from them.” - Robbert van Breda 

Contributing to circularity and sustainability

Circularity forms the foundation of nearly all NBD projects. By using co-products as alternatives to fossil-based raw materials or specially cultivated crops, Duynie contributes to reducing the use of land, water, and energy. Examples include fibre-based bio-based materials, proteins derived from brewers’ grains that can replace traditional protein sources and starches with a significantly lower footprint than conventional alternatives.

This benefits both suppliers and customers: suppliers generate additional value from their co-products, while customers gain access to circular raw materials that support their sustainability objectives.

As Robbert van Breda explains: “There is a significant opportunity to maximise the value of co-products as alternatives to conventional proteins, fibres, and starches. This is where we can truly make an impact on circularity.”