Western Australia is moving forward with plans to establish a processing facility for lupin protein in the South West region. The publicly-listed Australian ingredient company Wide Open Agriculture (WOA) is currently conducting a pre-feasibility study aimed at isolating protein from the lupin bean domestically.
The lupin protein isolate is known for its versatility, making it suitable for use in plant-based dairy alternatives, meat substitutes, baked goods, health products, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and beverages. This ingredient is gaining recognition in regions such as South America, Europe, and China due to its clean taste, high performance, and broad functionality.
According to WOA CEO Matthew Skinner, the lupin protein isolate represents an exciting development within the rapidly evolving plant-based protein market. WOA is exploring the potential establishment of a facility in WA with an annual production capacity of 10,000 tonnes. Though a specific site has yet to be determined, the company”s goals are closely aligned with the Peel Innovation Centre, which is aiding in the development of a WA Food Innovation Precinct in the Shire of Murray.
Skinner emphasized that the plant will require land, access to gas and electricity, and efficient logistics for lupin supplies. The pre-feasibility study will assess various designs, operational models, and financial aspects necessary for a large-scale commercial plant. This study will serve as a technical and financial framework for discussions with government bodies, potential investors, and industry partners.
A facility in WA would capitalize on the success and increasing sales momentum WOA has experienced with its operations in Germany. “We purchased a processing facility in Germany in October 2023, and the demand for the lupin protein isolate produced there has surged,” Skinner noted. The German technical team will collaborate on the pre-feasibility study for the WA plant, along with the prominent Australian food engineering firm Process Partners. The study is anticipated to take six months and aims to transition WOA from an early commercialization phase to readiness for full-scale production.
The proposed facility is projected to produce around 20,000 tonnes of fiber in addition to the lupin protein isolate. The lupin bean contains approximately 8 percent oil, leading to an estimated production of 2,500 tonnes of oil annually once fully operational. Skinner stated that lupin oil possesses intriguing cosmetic properties, potentially aiding in anti-aging and offering a beneficial balance of vitamin E and omega oils. “We have been producing and testing lupin oil from our German facility, and it performs exceptionally well in various products, including lip balm, face cream, and body butter. We plan to launch it commercially by the end of this year,” he added.
In Europe, WOA has successfully supplied lupin protein for incorporation into shakes, snack bars, plant-based dairy products, and baked goods. Currently, WOA ships WA-grown lupins to its facility in Germany for processing. For the WA plant targeting a 10,000-tonne capacity, WOA will require approximately 50,000 to 60,000 tonnes of lupins each year. Given that WA”s lupin growers produce around 700,000 to 800,000 tonnes annually, supply is expected to be sufficient.
Skinner highlighted that the availability is plentiful, and since the lupins are designated for human consumption, they carry a higher value compared to those used for livestock feed. He noted that for the WA plant, transportation of lupins will likely involve trucking to the site, ideally positioned near a major port or rail facilities to facilitate export logistics. “There are numerous logistical considerations, as we will utilize a locally produced product, most of which will be exported as a value-added protein,” he remarked. “This is an export-driven endeavor.”
WOA has already gained traction in markets across South America, including Brazil, Peru, and Argentina, as well as parts of Europe, the Middle East, and China. Skinner stated that the global market for all types of protein exceeds two million tonnes annually. He expressed a desire for a future where the majority of the WA lupin crop is transformed into a high-value human-grade product that is worth significantly more than exporting raw lupins.
The completion of WOA”s pre-feasibility study is expected by February 2026, marking a crucial transition from early commercialization to full-scale production readiness. Skinner acknowledged that the German plant is operating near capacity, underscoring the opportunities that lie ahead. A key part of the strategy is to engage large-scale institutional investors and strategic partners for substantial collaboration.
Skinner stated, “By conducting this feasibility study now, WOA positions itself to advance beyond small-scale sales and pilot programs, fostering serious stakeholder engagement that will unlock long-term growth potential.” The ultimate goal is to create a completely new global food category centered on lupin protein, having demonstrated through its German operations that food and beverage companies are willing to pay a premium for the unique attributes of the lupin bean.
WOA aims to enhance its processing scale to produce lupin protein in a cost-effective manner. Presently, WOA”s lupin protein is priced higher than competing options such as pea and soy protein. However, with expanded processing capabilities, the company believes it can reduce production costs and improve margins, potentially allowing lupin protein to compete on price with pea and soy while delivering its distinct advantages.
As the WA project develops, the German plant will continue to serve existing clients and explore new market opportunities, ensuring consistent supply as demand grows. Another priority for WOA is to commercialize co-products derived from lupin protein, including lupin fiber, oil, and potentially gamma conglutin.
WOA Chairman Yaxi Zhan emphasized that the WA lupin protein isolate facility represents more than just a manufacturing plant; it is the cornerstone of a new food category. This facility will position WA as a global hub for lupin-based protein production, offering significant scale and long-term growth prospects.
Earlier this year, WOA published a sustainability review concerning its proposed WA processing facility, revealing that lupins have the lowest carbon intensity among crops grown in the Wheatbelt and contribute to reduced carbon emissions through nitrogen sequestration in the soil. Skinner remarked that lupins could be pivotal in diminishing greenhouse gas emissions within the Australian agricultural sector. “Our strategy to commercialize lupin protein isolate not only promotes low-emission farming but also generates a new source of highly nutritious and functional protein for human diets,” he stated.
The company is also focused on quantifying a carbon footprint for lupin protein. “In our research, we have identified global food and beverage companies seeking low-carbon ingredients to align with their sustainable sourcing policies and emissions reduction targets,” Skinner mentioned. Additionally, by cultivating lupins, farmers can lessen their dependency on synthetic nitrogen sources, enhancing sustainability and mitigating the impact of fertilizer price spikes.
