Hosokawa Micron B.V. provides advanced equipment for mixing, drying, agglomeration, and sterilisation—key downstream processes in the production of plant-based proteins. These systems are ideal for applications such as pea protein concentrates, plant-based meat analogues and beverages.
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FOOD & BEVERAGES
Process technologies for tomorrow.
Processing Systems for Plant Proteins
Plant-based proteins are temperature-sensitive and difficult to process consistently. Hosokawa Micron delivers flexible, hygienic and scalable powder-processing systems to turn plant-based inputs into safe, high-performance ingredients at industrial scale. Our core technologies are flash drying, steam sterilisation, agglomeration and precision blending—engineered to help manufacturers produce clean-label, shelf-stable and high-performance plant-based products—whether for use in meat alternatives, beverages, nutritional supplements or ready meals.
Within the Hosokawa Micron Group, complementary technologies cover dry fractionation (grinding and air classification for protein/starch separation) and materials handling (pneumatic conveying, storage, weighing, dosing). Together, we build turnkey processing lines for protein sources including cereals (wheat, rye, oats, barley, rice, corn gluten, soy), pulses (beans, lentils, peas, chickpeas) and alternative streams such as spent grain, soy/oat fibres, almonds, rice bran, seaweed (alginates) and fruit/vegetable pulp.
Flash Drying
The DMR Flash Dryer combines drying, de-agglomeration and classification in a single unit for slurries, pastes, filter cakes and moist powders. Typical energy use is ~10–20% lower than ring dryers while achieving stable target moisture. Ideal for protein isolates, starch-rich fractions and hydrocolloids.
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Steam Sterilisation
The Conical Paddle Dryer offers a flexible, economical and environmentally safe batch process for sterilizing plant-based proteins. It ensures optimal removal of all pathogenic organisms and germs, with minimum risk of product distortion. After sterilisation, the product moisture content can be brought to the desired level by vacuum drying. Fully automated, recipe-driven system.
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Agglomeration
With the Flexomix Mixer & Agglomerator, fine plant proteins become free-flowing, dust-lean and instantly wettable granules. Precise control of liquid addition, shear and residence time sets porosity and target bulk density; a fluid-bed dryer/cooler stabilises moisture and structure for consistent dosing and fast dispersion.
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Blending
Choose the Nauta® conical screw mixer for gentle, low-shear blending of proteins, fibres and delicate particulates, delivering excellent homogeneity and near-complete discharge. The Conical Paddle Mixer (CPM) provides faster low-/mid-shear mixing with efficient liquid addition/coating and short cycle times. Both offer hygienic design and easy cleaning.
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Protein shifting
To make optimal use of plant protein content, Hosokawa Alpine developed the process of protein shifting (dry fractionation): ultra-fine grinding followed by precise air classification. The result is protein- and starch-rich fractions with significantly higher purity—ideal bases for vegan patties, lupin cutlets and other plant-based foods.
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Test Before You Invest
Run trials with your own materials on production-scale equipment at our 2,000 m² Test & Process Development Centre in the Netherlands. Our experienced process specialists work with you to determine the optimal process, equipment or plant setup. We offer lab and production-scale trials, each supported by a detailed technical report covering setup, process parameters and performance insights—helping you choose the best solution with confidence.
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Talk to our experts
Contact us to explore future-ready process technologies for plant-based food manufacturing — optimised for efficiency and performance.
FAQ – Plant-Based Food Processing
What technologies does Hosokawa Micron offer for plant-based protein processing?
How does Hosokawa Micron ensure food safety in plant-based protein processing?
Hosokawa designs systems that comply with international food safety standards. With hygienic designs, steam sterilisation options, and automated process control, our solutions ensure safe and sanitary handling of plant-based ingredients.
Can Hosokawa Micron deliver complete processing lines for plant-based proteins?
Yes. Hosokawa Micron offers turnkey solutions that cover the full value chain—from dehulling and milling to protein separation and final processing. Hosokawa Solids adds expertise in storage, conveying, weighing and dosing.
What types of end products can be produced using Hosokawa’s technology?
Hosokawa Micron’s systems can produce a wide range of end products including protein concentrates and isolates, textured vegetable proteins (TVP), plant-based dairy alternatives, snacks, pasta, and nutritional bars. Our technologies support flexible, high-performance production.
Is testing or product development possible at Hosokawa?
Yes. Hosokawa offers advanced Test Centres, including in the Netherlands and Germany. These enable customers to run trials with their own plant-based raw materials—ideal for scaling up production, validating formulations, and developing new applications.
Sustainable process technologies
Hosokawa Micron B.V. is committed to sustainable and responsible process technology. Our ISO 14001 certification covers key environmental aspects such as air, soil, energy, waste, water, noise and hazardous substances. With an EcoVadis Silver Medal, we rank among the top 3% of EcoVadis-rated companies in the special machinery industry.
