In a world first, Australian dairy tech company Naturo has developed a 100 per cent fresh and natural milk that is twice as digestible as other processed cow’s milk on the Australian market.
Naturo patented its Haelen milk processing technology in 2019, which extends the shelf life of fresh milk to 60 days.
This latest breakthrough uses the tech to aid the digestion of dairy.
Naturo founder and CEO Jeff Hastings said the development was one of the biggest in the milk industry since pasteurisation, and further cement’s the company’s global expansion plans via partnerships and licensing agreements.
“This latest digestibility finding is an incredible market breakthrough and has seen us shift our business strategy to allow worldwide Haelen Technology partnerships and licensing agreements, rather than solely focus on processing and exporting fresh milk from our South East Queensland production facility,” Hastings said.
In 2021, Naturo undertook consumer trials of milk that had been through the Haelen system.
The company found that for two-thirds of the trial participants who normally experienced an adverse reaction to cow’s milk either had their symptoms eliminated or reduced when they drank the Haelen processed milk.
One of the differences between standard milk processing (pasteurisation, UHT and ESL) and the Haelen method is how the milk’s whey proteins are treated.
With the Haelen method, whey proteins are broken down further allowing for easier and faster digestion as well as enhanced nutrient absorption.
CSIRO carried out research validation following the consumer trials. Naturo said the science agency’s results confirmed that Haelen processed milk was twice as digestible as other processed milks and that the system made the milk’s nutrients more bio-accessible, providing the potential for increased absorption by the body.
Hastings said that the significant digestibility result would provide unique opportunities in the health and wellness space, while complementing the fresh milk’s long shelf-life advantage, both in Australia and overseas.
Haelen processed milk has been formally approved by Australia’s state regulators for domestic sales.
Export registration is due to be formalised this month, which will mean the milk is the first non-thermal milk technology to be approved for export, creating the opportunity to sea freight 100 per cent natural, fresh Australian milk overseas.
“Of course, we know consumers are going to love the creamy taste and health benefits of our 100 per cent natural milk when we launch it to the retail market, however this digestibility finding opens the door to new products and new market opportunities,” Hastings said.
A capital raising opportunity is in progress and discussions are ongoing with partners/licensees worldwide.
