Alfa Laval strengthens transatlantic biotech collaboration to advance sustainable food solutions

DENMARK – Alfa Laval’s Food & Water Division has announced its support for a new transatlantic collaboration between the Danish Technological Institute and North Carolina State University. 

The partnership seeks to accelerate innovation in bioprocessing technologies, including precision and biomass fermentation, with the goal of developing healthier, more sustainable food products.

Headquartered in Copenhagen, Alfa Laval’s Food & Water Division is joining forces with Danish companies, academic institutions, and policymakers to foster strong ties with North Carolina, a globally recognized hub for biotechnology. 

The initiative aims to unlock the full potential of bioprocessing in addressing critical challenges such as malnutrition, noncommunicable diseases, and the environmental footprint of global food systems.

Sammy Hulpiau, President of Alfa Laval’s Food & Water Division, emphasized the transformative role of biotechnology. 

“Biotech is reshaping how we produce food and medicine. It is a strong enabler for reducing the environmental impact of the global food system and for building health resilience into an ageing global population,” he said. “By linking the innovation ecosystems of Denmark and North Carolina, we are creating a platform for real breakthroughs to produce secure, safe, and nutritious food.” 

Hulpiau added that the initiative reflects Alfa Laval’s long-term commitment to advancing scalable, science-driven solutions that deliver benefits for both people and the planet.

Alfa Laval has a long-standing tradition of engaging with partners across academia, industry, and government to accelerate innovation in nutrition and health. 

Its technologies, ranging from heat transfer and separation to fluid handling, are designed to support responsible resource use, improve energy efficiency, enhance water treatment, and reduce industrial emissions.

The collaboration builds on Alfa Laval’s recently announced Food Application & Innovation Centre in Copenhagen, which is intended to help food producers develop new food categories and scale them for industrial production. 

Together, these initiatives reinforce Alfa Laval’s role in driving forward sustainable solutions for a growing global population while minimizing environmental impact.

North Carolina, with its strong biotech ecosystem, academic excellence, and industrial infrastructure, has become a strategic location for innovation and investment. 

By connecting Denmark’s biosolutions leadership with North Carolina’s research and talent base, the partnership is expected to create significant opportunities for advancing the global food transition.

With this initiative, Alfa Laval continues to position itself at the forefront of sustainable food innovation, shaping the future of functional foods that combine nutrition, taste, and environmental responsibility.

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