A Sunshine Coast company is set to reinvigorate the milk industry with groundbreaking developments.
Coolum based Naturo is responsible for the world-first patented Haelen milk processing technology, which gives fresh milk a 60-day shelf life.
But the company has now achieved another significant breakthrough in the global milk market – this time for digestibility.
Consumer trials and recent Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) research validation proved that milk processed using the Haelen method resulted in 100 per cent fresh, natural milk that is twice as digestible than any other processed cow’s milk available on the Australian market, without adding anything to the milk.
The CSIRO research followed a 2021 consumer trial, which showed that two-thirds of trial participants who normally experienced an adverse reaction to cow’s milk found that Haelen processed milk eliminated or reduced the reaction.
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.
Whey proteins are broken down further, allowing for easier and faster digestion as well as enhanced nutrient absorption.
The CSIRO results confirmed that Haelen processed milk made the nutrients more bio-accessible, providing the potential for increased absorption by the body.
The results further cemented the company’s expansion plans for taking Haelen technology worldwide.
With 68 per cent of the global population experiencing some form of difficulty in consuming milk, the research results mean more people could be able to enjoy the health benefits of fresh milk without the adverse side effects.
Similarly, the Haelen process is set to provide unique opportunities in sports nutrition and recovery and health and wellness markets, due to the way it naturally hydrolyses milk whey proteins.
With Haelen processed milk formally approved by Australia’s state regulators for domestic sales and export registration due to be formalised in October, it will become the first non-thermal milk technology to be approved for export, creating the opportunity to sea freight the milk overseas.
Haelen Founder and CEO Jeff Hastings said that the digestibility result would provide unique opportunities in the health and wellness space, while complementing the milk’s long shelf-life advantage.
“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,” he said via a press release.
“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
“We’re really excited about taking Haelen to the world.”
A capital raising opportunity is in progress and discussions are ongoing with partners/licensees worldwide.
For more information see Haelen – FAQ.
SUBSCRIBE here now for our FREE news feed, direct to your inbox daily!