FrieslandCampina Ingredients doubles whey protein capacity at Borculo
FrieslandCampina Ingredients has completed a major capacity expansion at its Borculo facility in the Netherlands, doubling production of both whey protein isolate (WPI) and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) ingredients to meet accelerating global demand across the sports, early life, active, and medical nutrition sectors.
First announced in 2023, the expanded facility is now in full commercial operation, significantly strengthening the company’s ability to supply premium dairy protein ingredients to manufacturers worldwide.
Scaling WPI output to meet protein market growth
Global demand for high-quality protein continues to rise sharply, with the whey market projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.6% through to 2030. Increased consumer awareness of complete proteins – spanning muscle maintenance, weight management, and healthy ageing – has made WPI a cornerstone ingredient in sports nutrition formulations and beyond.
FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ WPI is derived from Dutch-style cheese and processed to deliver a clean, neutral taste profile. The Borculo facility employs state-of-the-art filtration technologies to preserve the bio-functionality of whey throughout processing, safeguarding both quality and efficacy in the final ingredient.
Expanded MFGM capacity for early life nutrition
Alongside WPI, the expansion has delivered a significant increase in MFGM production capacity. MFGM is a premium whey protein concentrate obtained through the gentle processing of pasteurised cheese whey. It contains a complex matrix of proteins, lipids, and bioactive components – including phospholipids, immunoglobulin G (IgG), and lactoferrin.
Because MFGM is available as a dry-blend, heat-sensitive bioactives remain intact during downstream processing, a critical consideration for formulators working in the early life nutrition segment. Clinical evidence supports benefits for brain and immune health, with emerging data also pointing to gut health applications. The capacity increase enables brands to incorporate MFGM into products at commercial scale without compromising on ingredient quality or bioactive integrity.
Sustainability measures integrated into expansion
The Borculo facility is also actively implementing measures to reduce CO₂ emissions as part of FrieslandCampina’s broader climate targets for 2030, reflecting a commitment to responsible production alongside its commercial objectives.
Anne Peter Lindeboom, President of FrieslandCampina Ingredients, commented: “With over a century of expertise in dairy proteins, we are blending deep scientific knowledge with cutting-edge processing technology to deliver high-quality ingredients that drive innovation across all nutrition markets.”
The Borculo expansion follows FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ recent acquisition of Wisconsin Whey Protein in North America, a move that further consolidates the company’s global protein supply capabilities across key geographies.
“Building on our recent acquisition of Wisconsin Whey Protein in North America, this expansion reflects our strategic focus on strengthening our global protein capabilities,” added Lindeboom.
- For more information, visit: https://www.frieslandcampinaingredients.com
