French precision fermentation specialist Standing Ovation has partnered with Bel Group to achieve a world-first milestone: the industrial-scale production of milk proteins from dairy co-products.

The collaboration marks a major breakthrough in sustainable dairy innovation, enabling the conversion of acid whey, a byproduct of cheese manufacturing, into high-quality caseins through precision fermentation. The partners say the process represents a pivotal step towards a circular and low-carbon dairy economy.

Circular innovation in dairy protein production

This industrial validation confirms the scalability of Standing Ovation’s patented fermentation platform and its potential to transform the environmental footprint of dairy protein production.

According to the company, its technology enables manufacturers to upcycle cheese-making byproducts into functional dairy proteins suitable for cheese and other applications, thereby reducing waste and dependence on animal-derived inputs.

Caroline Sorlin, director of investments and start-up collaborations at Bel Group, commented:

“By transforming our cheese whey into high-value proteins, we give a second life to our byproducts while significantly reducing our carbon footprint.”

The initiative supports Bel Group’s long-term sustainability vision, which includes achieving zero destruction of edible products and 100% valorisation of food waste across its operations.

Proven environmental benefits

An independent life cycle assessment (LCA) conducted on the Standing Ovation process found it could deliver substantial environmental gains compared to conventional dairy caseins — including a 74% reduction in CO₂ emissions, 99% reduction in land use, and 68% reduction in water consumption.

These results position the technology as a scalable sustainability solution for dairy manufacturers targeting carbon neutrality and improved resource efficiency.

Scaling towards sustainable dairy sovereignty

Olivier Ladet, industrial director at Standing Ovation, said:

“This industrial validation confirms the robustness of our technology and its ability to sustainably transform practices in the dairy industry.”

Yvan Chardonnens, CEO of Standing Ovation, added:

“This world-first innovation proves that our industry can be profoundly transformed by generating significant nutritional, economic and environmental value.”

The partnership between Bel Group and Standing Ovation reflects a growing industry shift towards bio-based innovation and circular production models, offering a blueprint for how traditional dairy manufacturers can integrate precision fermentation into their value chains.