Evonik Begins Construction of Methionine Dipeptide Plant
- Construction of the AQUAVI® Met-Met plant in Antwerp starts, with an investment in the lower double-digit-million-euro range.
- Commercial production begins in the second half of 2015.
- AQUAVI® Met-Met reduces fish meal use and environmental impact in shrimp aquaculture.
- Evonik offers samples for joint feed studies.
Construction and Investment
Evonik Industries has commenced construction of the first plant for producing AQUAVI® Met-Met in Antwerp, Belgium. The investment for this project is in the lower double-digit-million-euro range.
Production Timeline
The plant is scheduled to begin commercial production in the second half of 2015. In the meantime, Evonik is offering samples for joint feed studies, with ongoing studies using quantities from pilot plants worldwide.
Product Benefits
AQUAVI® Met-Met, a dipeptide made of two methionine molecules, is designed as a feed additive for shrimp and other crustaceans in aquaculture. It significantly reduces the consumption of fish meal, thereby lowering feed costs and reducing environmental impact. The product also helps maintain water purity by reducing waste and nitrogen output.
Technical Advantages
The Met-Met dipeptide is less water-soluble than other methionine sources, preventing it from washing out of the feed quickly. This allows shrimp, which feed slowly on the sea floor, to absorb sufficient methionine. The shrimp's enzymes can break down AQUAVI® Met-Met into individual methionine molecules, optimizing protein synthesis and growth.
Market Context
Aquacultures are a growing market, with 50% of edible meat from fish, crustaceans, and shellfish expected to come from aquacultures by 2015. Evonik, already a market leader in feed amino acids for fish, will initially offer AQUAVI® Met-Met for shrimp and crustaceans, with plans to expand to other species.