RP innovation turns soybean waste into sustainable protein solutions

Every year, large quantities of okara, the soybean pulp generated during soy milk and tofu production, are discarded or used as low-value animal feed despite containing up to 30% protein residue. This underutilisation represents a significant loss of potential nutritional and commercial value.

The SAS has licensed its technology to a startup to advance sustainable protein innovation through the study of Okara Peptide. Leveraging RP's innovative okara solubilisation technology, the project focuses on extracting and purifying high-quality proteins and bioactive peptides with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties for food, nutraceutical and cosmeceutical applications.

The innovation lies in its circular economy approach, upcycling high-volume food waste into useful biomaterials, combined with advanced bioprocessing methods that maximise protein recovery efficiency. This not only supports Singapore's zero-waste and food security goals but also promotes new research capabilities and student learning opportunities within RP.

Through test-bedding and industrial scaling supported by an industry partner, this partnership exemplifies how science-driven innovation and industry collaboration can create sustainable solutions that bridge environmental responsibility with commercial potential.