Deakin University and Bellarine Foods have partnered to explore the use of marine byproducts, including salmon skin and mussels, to produce high value protein ingredients for health, wellness and cosmetic applications.
Supported by Deakin’s Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub, the project aims to strengthen Australia’s capacity to develop locally sourced, sustainable protein products.
Rising demand for protein powders and nutraceuticals, along with shifting dietary trends and growing health awareness, has increased interest in alternative protein sources.
The project is led by chair in biotechnology Deakin distinguished professor Colin Barrow from the School of Life and Environmental Sciences and the Centre for Sustainable Bioproducts. The team is investigating an enzyme based method to extract proteins from aquaculture waste without harsh chemicals.
“If successful this project could offer a greener, more cost-effective alternative to traditional protein processing methods,” Barrow said.
“Marine byproducts from salmon skin and mussels, such as collagen, are incredibly rich in protein and hold tremendous potential for health-focused products.
“Our focus is on developing safer, chemical-free extraction processes that reduces landfill waste, supports a circular economy, and lay the foundation for a greener, more sustainable future for the aquaculture industry.”
Initial laboratory trials indicate potential applications including omega-3 supplements for brain and heart health, and collagen enriched nutraceuticals for muscle recovery and skin elasticity.
The collaboration also involves CSIRO’s Food Innovation Centre in Werribee, which will support process scale up and assess commercial and environmental viability. The team aims to move from laboratory testing to pilot production in 2026, with commercial rollout to follow.
“Scaling is incremental and sequential,” Bellarine Foods CEO Murray de Jong said.
“We’re focused on developing a production model that’s cost-effective, market-ready and delivers high grade hydrolysed proteins – like collagen – used in wellness supplements, protein powders and anti-ageing products.”
“It’s not just about the technology, it’s about creating a trusted, homegrown supply chain grounded in Australia. We want to offer wellness products that meet the highest quality standards and ingredient transparency, something imported products often lack.”
The Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub is backed by a $50 million grant from the Australian government’s Trailblazer Universities Program, with industry and university support, and is focused on developing lower impact supply chains and circular economy outcomes.