The global food system is under pressure to become more sustainable, and alternative proteins play a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of food production. From jackfruit-based meat alternatives to insect proteins, Dutch innovators are developing circular solutions to feed the world more sustainably.
To help these companies scale internationally, Invest International has invested €48 million in Dutch alternative protein projects over the past two years. One of the latest examples is Protix, a global leader in insect-based proteins, now expanding to South Korea with support from Invest International. Their circular approach — turning food waste (spoiled food) into high-quality proteins, oils, and organic fertilizers — highlights how Dutch innovation and smart financing can accelerate the transition to sustainable food systems worldwide.
Protix’s mission meets opportunity in South Korea
Founded in 2009, Protix is a Dutch pioneer in insect-based protein production, using black soldier fly larvae to convert food waste and agri-food byproducts into high-quality proteins, oils, and natural fertilizers. These sustainable ingredients are used in animal feed, pet food, and aquaculture feed, offering a low-emission alternative to traditional protein sources like fishmeal and soy.
At the heart of Protix’s work is a clear mission: to bring the food system back into balance with nature. “We’re inspired by the natural role insects play in ecosystems — nothing goes to waste in nature. Insects transform organic leftovers into valuable nutrients, completing the circle. We want to bring that circularity back into our modern food system,” explains Stijn Harms, Director of Projects & Technology at Protix.
This mission is now taking Protix to South Korea, a country with one of the world’s most advanced food waste management systems. Every day, over 15,000 tons of food waste is collected and processed — not just from households, but also from restaurants, supermarkets, and food service companies. Unlike in the EU, where the use of these food waste streams as insect feed is not yet permitted (due to regulatory restrictions), South Korea’s regulations allow food waste from these commercial sources to be safely converted into insect feed.
“In South Korea, two important factors come together: the regulations are more favourable and the food waste infrastructure is highly advanced. The country places great importance on making full use of all the valuable nutrients that enter the country, which is why they have developed such a well-organized food waste management system which makes it a great match for Protix,” says Stijn Harms, Director of Projects & Technology of Protix.
Through a partnership with leading local partners, Protix will build a new facility capable of upcycling up to 130,000 tons of food waste annually. This facility, twice the size of Protix’s current site in the Netherlands, will transform food waste streams and agri-food byproducts into sustainable protein, oil, and fertilizer, helping build a more circular food system.
How Invest International bridges the financing gap for Protix’s expansion abroad
Expanding innovative technologies like insect-based protein production into new markets doesn’t just require technical expertise — it also demands significant upfront investment. For Protix’s South Korea expansion, these early-stage costs include feasibility studies, legal groundwork, and technical design.
That’s where Invest International comes in. Through its Development Accelerator, Invest International provided a €1 million conditional development loan, helping Protix fund this critical feasibility phase. This type of financing allows companies to explore new markets without bearing all the risk alone.
Traditional banks often shy away from financing capital-intensive, high-risk projects abroad, even when the technology is proven. Invest International fills that gap, supporting Dutch companies with sustainable innovations and international ambitions.
Financing the full spectrum of alternative proteins
Protix’s expansion into South Korea is part of a broader effort by Invest International to support Dutch companies driving innovation in alternative proteins. Over the past two years, Invest International has invested €48 million into projects that aim to reduce dependence on traditional animal proteins and lower the environmental footprint of global food production.
These investments range from Fiber Foods, which is building a jackfruit supply chain from Uganda to the Netherlands, to Proeon, which focuses on producing high-quality proteins from peanuts and mung beans in India. Each project reflects Invest International’s belief that Dutch food technology and innovation can play a key role in solving global food challenges.
Join the global protein transition
Protix’s expansion into South Korea shows how Dutch innovation, circular thinking, and smart financing can come together to create global impact. With Invest International’s support, Dutch companies working on alternative proteins have the chance to scale their solutions beyond Europe — helping to build a more sustainable and resilient global food system.
Are you a Dutch entrepreneur with a sustainable food innovation and international ambitions? Find out if you’re eligible for financing here!
