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Located in Granollers, near Barcelona in Spain, PROALAN was founded in February 1974 in response to a significant increase in the price of soya, a raw material in the production of animal feed.

The name PROALAN (in Spanish) stands for PRO (protein), AL (feed) and AN (animal). The fledgling company’s proposed solution consisted of producing animal blood hydrolysates by means of a process developed by the company itself, and which made use of this by-product that was largely rejected and removed by the food industry.

The company converted this by-product into a product that outperformed the benefits offered by soya. The company says it is a more digestible product with a high-protein content rich in essential amino acids and at an affordable price. This use of animal blood made the company one of the pioneers in promoting what is now called the circular economy, by reusing animal by-products from the food industry chain and putting them back into the food industry.

However, once the company’s new factory was built and production was up and running, the price of soya returned to normal levels, and it was once again the main ingredient in animal feed products.

Focus on protein hydrolysis
PROALAN rethought its business model and spent a few years researching the hydrolysis of the different animal by-products available on the market. It studied their application in the market and decided to expand the raw materials that could be used in products, with a focus on what is still its core business today: protein hydrolysis.

The company claims to hold the honorary title of being the first Spanish company to manufacture what are now known as amino acid-based biostimulants for the agricultural sector and, from here in Spain, to extend their use throughout the world.

Since then, PROALAN has been growing through the use of amino acids in agriculture, both nationally and internationally, and is now a leading company and a benchmark in the industry. It has adapted to the changes and trends that have occurred in the market, such as the inclusion of vegetable proteins with biostimulants or the use of hydrolysed proteins as insect attractants.

In 2024, the company marked its 50-year milestone. Now with a global presence and working hand-in-hand with customers, crop and livestock farmers and strategic partners on five continents, it has transformed challenges into opportunities and set quality and sustainability standards.

Technical know-how
Ever since its inception, PROALAN’s efforts have focused on a key area for modern agriculture: the hydrolysis process. Its powerful know-how and expertise in this technique has enabled it to lead the way in the manufacture of amino acid-based biostimulants, products that not only boost crop health, but also contribute to more sustainable and efficient agriculture.

However, the company has continued to evolve over the decades, becoming a benchmark in both this sector and several key industries that impact global life and sustainability.

Diversified portfolio
With a solid foundation in advanced knowledge of hydrolysis processes, PROALAN has developed a diversified portfolio covering multiple strategic areas. Its vision has always gone beyond the agricultural field. Today, it can demonstrate its significant presence in sectors such as:

• Cosmetics: Developing innovative ingredients that enrich personal care and advanced cosmetic products.
• Tanning: Contributing with specialised solutions that optimise the processes for treating hides and skins, promoting more sustainable practices in this traditional industry.
• Animal health and nutrition: Manufacturing nutritional supplements that improve animal health, welfare and performance, thus supporting responsible production systems.
• Aquaculture: Assisting in promoting growth and stimulating consumption in fish diets.
• Biotechnology: Offering a great solution in ingredients for the preparation of culture media, which is the main source of nitrogen for bacterial growth.
• Detergency: Helping to protect the skin and producing a direct dermatological and regenerative effect in hand dishwashing.

PROALAN celebrated its first 50 years with current and retired employees at an internal event at the Circuit de Catalunya, Montmeló, which is near its facilities in Granollers.

The challenge now says the company is to be able to grow continuously, to incorporate new generations and to remain faithful to its commitment to innovation, sustainable development and the well-being of future generations.

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