Europe imports around 33 million tonnes of soybeans each year, mainly to feed livestock. This dependence leads to high costs, environmental emissions, and vulnerability to supply chain disruptions. Meanwhile, grass – a local, renewable resource – grows abundantly right next to many farms. The Operational Group Biorefinery Glas taps into this underused potential and presents an alternative to soy.
What is Biorefinery Glas?
Biorefinery Glas is a small-scale, farmer-led biorefinery that transforms freshly harvested grass into a variety of valuable products. It thereby offers a sustainable and local alternative to soy.
How does the biorefinery process work?
The system is housed in a mobile trailer. Fresh grass is fed into the unit, where it’s shredded and pressed. This mechanical process separates the biomass into two fractions:
A solid press cake, ideal as fibre-rich feed for ruminants like cows and sheep.
A liquid grass whey, which can either be used as a bio-based fertiliser or dried and fed to monogastric animals (like chickens and pigs) as a protein-rich soy alternative.
What’s the benefit for farmers?
Farmers can reduce reliance on imported feed, make better use of local resources, and lower their carbon footprint—all while supporting soil health and animal nutrition. It’s a win-win for productivity and sustainability.
Learn more
Watch our animation to see how the process works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EM2poQ-CWU8
