Industry Solutions

Coproducts

AURI partners with a range of entities to convert agricultural and food-system coproducts into higher-value products.

Overview

A coproduct is a material produced alongside a primary product from agricultural commodity processing. Examples include but are not limited to distillers’ grains from ethanol production, bran fractions from milling, whey from dairy processing, press cakes from oil extraction, and fiber streams from food manufacturing.

These materials may have established markets or may be underutilized and treated as low-value outputs or waste. Coproduct development focuses on improving the value, marketability, and consistency through characterization, upgrading, derivative product development, or improved handling and logistics.

We provide applied research, product and process development, pilot-scale capabilities, and business development support to help move a coproduct concept from early feasibility through demonstration and commercialization planning.

We engage with entrepreneurs, established manufacturers, agricultural processors, technology providers, and public-sector partners. Our work bridges the gap between laboratory research and commercial-scale implementation.

Deliverables are typically designed to support decision-making and may include compositional and functional data, pilot-produced samples, process recommendations, and project assessment outputs using stated assumptions and realistic assessments of market conditions.

Services

AURI’s services are valuable during concept validation, feasibility assessment, and pilot demonstration phases. Early engagement allows characterization and screening work to inform product strategy before significant capital investment, while pilot-scale work generates samples and data needed for customer validation, regulatory submissions, and investor discussions.

Techno-economic analysis (TEA) and scenario/sensitivity analysis based on measured results and clearly stated assumptions
Evaluation of coproduct supply strategies, seasonal variability, logistics considerations, and preliminary product positioning
preliminary market assessment support, including target customer identification and competitive positioning
identification of technical gaps, regulatory pathways (GRAS determination, feed approval, industrial certifications), and next-step work plans appropriate to the project stage
analysis structured to support financing discussions, grant applications, and partnership development

Composition and variability testing aligned with intended use: moisture, ash/minerals, protein, fiber fractions, lipids, sugars, key quality indicators, and functional properties
Screening for relevant contaminants or constraints based on target market (food, feed, industrial, or energy applications) and applicable regulatory frameworks (FDA, AAFCO, EPA)
Shelf-life and stability evaluation under relevant storage and handling conditions
Batch-to-batch variability assessment to inform quality control and supply consistency requirements
Practical guidance on sourcing, handling, storage, and pre- or post-processing based on measured properties

Concept screening and pathway selection aligned with target markets, product specifications, and regulatory requirements
Process development for separation, fractionation, conversion, purification, and densification (pelletizing, extrusion, drying) as relevant to the coproduct and target product
Definition of measurable performance criteria (yield, purity, functionality, stability) and structured test plans

Prototype development and bench-scale iteration to meet target performance requirements
Application-specific testing: physical properties, functional performance, stability, compatibility with downstream processing, and end-use requirements
Sample production for customer evaluation or early market testing, typically from several kilograms to multiple tons, depending on application and scale requirements
Documentation appropriate for customer technical data sheets or regulatory submissions

Pilot-scale processing (batch sizes ranging from a few pounds to several tons) to generate representative samples and inform scale-up considerations
Identification of operating parameters likely to affect performance at commercial scale, with uncertainties noted
Equipment and process recommendations based on observed handling characteristics, throughput constraints, and product quality requirements
Translation of lab and pilot findings into practical inputs for engineering, manufacturing, and commercialization partners

Our Team

AURI’s Food scientists are available to provide consulting and technical services in the areas of product and process development, product evaluation and testing, sourcing materials, equipment and services

Alan Doering

Senior Scientist, Coproducts

(218) 281-7600 x126 Email

Jimmy Gosse Ph.D

Senior Scientist, Biobased & Renewable Energy

(218) 281-7600 x114 Email

Matthew Leiphon

Project and Industry Insights Manager

(218)281-7600 x106 Email

Camren Nikoley

Bioindustrial Lab Associate

(218)281-7600 x139 Email

John Sorensen

Bioindustrial Facilities Manager

(218)281-7600 x128 Email

Michael Sparby

Commercialization Director

(218)281-7600 x118 Email

Harold Stanislawski

Business and Industry Development Director

(218)281-7600 x117 Email

Michael Stutelberg Ph.D.

Scientist, Chemistry

(218) 281-7600 x135 Email

Shelby Thooft

Associate Scientist, Chemistry

(218)281-7600 x136 Email

Jennifer Wagner-Lahr

Senior Director of Business Development and Commercialization

(218)281-7600 x121 Email

Luca Zullo Ph.D.

Sr. Director of Science and Technology

(218) 281-7600 x145 Email

Facilities

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AURI’s laboratories are available to clients for hands-on testing and development.

Food Laboratory

1501 State Street, Marshall, MN 56258

AURI’s food lab is available to those seeking to introduce new foods to the marketplace. It is focused on smaller companies and entrepreneurs who are developing and commercializing new food products.

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