Wide Open Agriculture has launched a pre-feasibility study for a large-scale lupin protein facility in Western Australia, aiming to establish a new global food category and reduce production costs. This move marks a pivotal step toward commercial scale and global leadership in sustainable plant-based proteins.
- Pre-feasibility study initiated for 10,000+ tonnes per annum lupin protein facility in WA
- Study to define technical, operational, and financial framework for large-scale production
- German facility continues to support sales and innovation during expansion
- Potential to position Western Australia as global hub for lupin protein production
- Aims to reduce costs to compete with pea and soy proteins and enable mass market adoption
Setting the Stage for Scale
Wide Open Agriculture Ltd (ASX, WOA) has taken a decisive step towards expanding its footprint in the plant-based protein market by launching a pre-feasibility study (PFS) for a large-scale lupin protein isolate facility in Western Australia. Targeting an annual production capacity exceeding 10,000 tonnes, this initiative signals WOA’s ambition to transition from early commercialisation to full-scale production readiness.
The study, expected to take six months, will establish the technical design, operating model, and financial viability of the proposed facility. It aims to provide the robust data necessary to attract government backing, institutional investors, and strategic industry partners; all critical stakeholders for scaling up production and market penetration.
Building on Proven Momentum
WOA’s existing German facility has been instrumental in validating lupin protein’s market potential, operating near capacity and generating growing sales. This facility will remain a cornerstone of operations, supporting current customers and driving ongoing innovation. The insights and efficiencies developed in Germany will inform the design and operation of the new Western Australian plant.
By leveraging these dual hubs, WOA aims to balance immediate market demands with long-term strategic growth, positioning itself to meet increasing global appetite for sustainable, clean-label protein ingredients.
Creating a New Global Food Category
The proposed WA facility is more than just a manufacturing site; it represents the foundation for an entirely new global food category centered on lupin protein. Currently, lupin protein commands a premium price compared to pea and soy proteins due to its superior functionality and sustainability credentials. However, large-scale production is expected to drastically reduce costs, enabling WOA to price lupin protein competitively while maintaining its unique qualities.
This cost competitiveness is crucial for mass adoption, allowing WOA to move beyond niche markets and early adopters to partner with major multinational food and beverage companies. With Western Australia producing over 80% of the world’s sweet lupins and direct access to Asian growth markets, the state is well positioned to become the global hub for lupin protein production.
Strategic Priorities and Market Potential
WOA is focused on three core commercial priorities, expanding its sales order book from the German facility, commercialising lupin co-products such as fibre and oil to maximise value and minimise waste, and scaling up production to compete in the US$88.5 billion global protein ingredients market.
Chairperson Yaxi Zhan emphasised the broader impact of the project, highlighting its potential to address global protein deficits while delivering economic growth and environmental benefits. The project’s success could firmly establish Western Australia as a leader in sustainable protein production.
It is worth noting that the announcement relates to a pre-feasibility study only. The project’s progression to development will depend on further feasibility work, regulatory approvals, financing, and final investment decisions.
Bottom Line?
WOA’s pre-feasibility study sets the stage for a transformative leap in lupin protein production, but the path to commercial scale still hinges on critical next steps.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the detailed financial metrics reveal about the facility’s profitability and cost competitiveness?
- How quickly can WOA secure regulatory approvals and financing to move beyond the study phase?
- Which major food and beverage partners might commit to large-scale lupin protein adoption?