With little to no efficiency gains remaining in the ethanol production process, AgVault has developed a next generation fermentation technology solution designed to significantly improve the profitability of existing ethanol production facilities. Using low-cost carbohydrate production from existing ethanol facilities, the technology creates significant value-added products such as high grade yeasts and yeast products, enhancing and expanding livestock and companion animal feed production.
AgVault’s novel precision fermentation system is designed to be co-located and integrated with an ethanol facility. It consists of three core components: carbohydrate feedstock preparation, precision fermentation, and downstream product processing. The innovation lies in its production speed and efficiency, which streamline operations, cut costs, and deliver stronger returns on investment. According to AgVault co-founder and President Kevin Dretzka, “A co-located facility with an annual capacity of 16,000 tons delivers a 35% ROI, with our high-quality yeast product sold at 90% of the cost of traditional yeast.”
According to the press release, precision fermentation uses microbes like yeast and bacteria to produce microbial proteins. Unlike conventional protein production, AgVault’s method offers a more efficient and environmentally friendly approach. “Precision fermentation is transforming how we produce protein, offering sustainable, efficient alternatives,” says Russ Zeeck, co-founder and COO. “Growing consumer demand for sustainable products is driving global interest, and there’s significant potential in untapped markets for products like food, nutraceuticals, enzymes, fertilizers, and soil microbiome enhancers.”
AgVault’s patented fermentation platform allows ethanol producers to generate new, higher-value product lines — starting with animal feed and expanding to food and biotech sectors such as cosmetics, plastics, and textiles.
The entry-point microorganism used in AgVault’s process is yeast — a familiar component to ethanol producers. This familiarity simplifies integration and enhances ethanol fermentation while delivering a consistent, cost-effective product for downstream feed and food markets. Key benefits of the product include:
- Improved protein content (>50% microbial protein with improved digestibility) when included in a feed ration
- All yeast protein; not “by-product” yeast from the ethanol process ,often with mixed specifications and non-yeast additives
- Improved amino acid bioavailability for up-take when used in feed diets
- Increased essential amino acids
- Improved digestibility
- Improved and increased complex carbohydrate and Beta-glucan content
- Reduced GHG emissions in dairy cows
AgVault’s solution enables ethanol producers to diversify their output, boost profit margins, and increase business value by entering the fast-growing precision fermentation market — all without the need for government incentives or subsidies.
