We answer all your frequently asked questions!

A project usually starts with understanding your product, process and development goals. We discuss what has already been developed, what challenges you are facing and what you want to achieve. Based on this information, we determine the most suitable next step. This could include laboratory testing, process development, a pilot trial, process optimisation, equipment testing or preparation for larger-scale production. The exact approach depends on how far your process has already been developed and the technical challenges that need to be solved.

Yes. Bodec works with customers from both inside and outside Europe. Our facilities are located in the Netherlands, in the heart of the European food and technology ecosystem. Companies from different countries can work with Bodec to develop, test, optimise and scale food ingredients and bioprocess-based products.

No. Your process does not need to be fully developed, but there should generally be a clear product concept, ingredient or intended application to work from. Bodec focuses on developing the production process behind the product. We can help translate a lab-scale or kitchen-scale concept into a practical process and test how it performs at larger volumes. If a process is already further developed, we can help optimise, validate or scale it.

You can contact Bodec when you already have a product idea, ingredient concept or process that you want to develop, test, optimise or scale up. This could be a concept that has been demonstrated at lab scale, an existing process that needs improvement or a developed process that needs to be prepared for larger-scale production. Bodec can support different stages, from process development and pilot testing to scale-up and first commercial production.

Bodec works with scale-ups, SMEs and larger corporate organisations that develop or produce food ingredients and bioprocess-based products. The type of support depends on the stage and needs of the company. Scale-ups may need pilot testing and first production batches, while SMEs may require process development or temporary production capacity. Larger companies often work with Bodec to test new processes outside their existing production lines or to optimise existing production processes.

Yes. Bodec supports the processing and scale-up of both food ingredients and bioprocess-based products. Bioprocesses such as fermentation can result in products that still require downstream processing before they can be used commercially. This may include separation, concentration, filtration, stabilisation or drying. Bodec can support these downstream processing steps and help develop a practical and scalable production route.

Bodec reduces scale-up risk by testing processes step by step before moving towards larger production volumes. Pilot testing helps identify how changes in scale affect product quality, yield, processing time, equipment performance, cleaning requirements and other important process parameters. Potential bottlenecks can therefore be identified and addressed before larger investments are made. This gives customers a clearer understanding of the technical feasibility, required equipment and practical production conditions before moving towards industrial production.

Yes. Bodec's facilities allow companies to develop and test processes without immediately investing in their own production equipment. Processes can first be tested at laboratory or pilot scale to evaluate technical feasibility, product quality, yield and equipment requirements. Bodec has a range of processing technologies available for operations such as mixing, heating, hydrolysis, separation, filtration, concentration, evaporation and drying. This allows you to gain practical process data before making larger investment decisions.

Yes. Bodec can analyse and optimise existing production processes. This may be useful when you want to improve yield, increase capacity, reduce energy consumption, reduce product losses or achieve more consistent product quality. Our technologists and engineers can analyse the existing process, identify bottlenecks and test possible improvements. Depending on the project, this work can be carried out at Bodec or directly at the customer's production facility.

Yes. Scaling processes from lab to pilot and eventually industrial production is an important part of Bodec's expertise. A process that works well in the laboratory does not automatically perform the same way at larger volumes. Factors such as mixing, heat transfer, viscosity, separation efficiency, processing time, cleaning and equipment capacity become increasingly important. Bodec can test the process at pilot scale, optimise the relevant parameters and help define a practical route towards larger-scale production.

No, not immediately. Even when a process is already fully developed, Bodec always performs a pilot test first. A process that works well at another facility may behave differently on Bodec's equipment. Raw materials, viscosity, processing time, cleaning requirements and equipment settings can all influence production performance. The pilot test allows us to determine whether the process is stable, efficient and suitable for our production environment before moving towards outsourced production.

Yes. Bodec can support outsourced temporary production for food ingredients and bioprocess-based products, particularly for first commercial batches and initial market volumes. Before production starts, we assess whether the product, process and required quality standards fit our equipment, facility and available capacity. Where necessary, the process is first tested or validated at pilot scale. Bodec is a CDMO rather than a standard tolling company. This means our focus is not simply on running an existing process at large volumes, but on combining process development, scale-up and production support.

Bodec has a wide range of food processing equipment, but we do not have every possible technology in-house. If specific equipment is required for a project, we can often work with our network of machine building and technology partners to rent, test or integrate additional equipment. This allows us to evaluate a broader range of technologies without requiring customers to immediately invest in their own equipment.

Yes. One of the advantages of working with Bodec is that you can develop, test and scale a process without immediately investing in your own production facility. This can be particularly useful when you want to validate technical feasibility, produce samples, test the market or produce first commercial batches before making a major capital investment. When your process is suitable for Bodec's equipment, quality system and available capacity, production can also take place at Bodec.

Bodec has its own laboratory, a 450 m² pilot plant and a 400 m² food-grade production facility. Within these facilities, we have equipment for different processing steps, including mixing, heating, hydrolysis, separation, centrifugation, filtration, evaporation, concentration and drying. This combination allows processes to move step by step from small-scale testing towards pilot testing and, where suitable, production.

Yes. Bodec's production facility can be used as a temporary production solution while you prepare or invest in your own manufacturing facility. This allows you to produce first commercial batches, supply initial customers and further validate the production process before making a major capital investment. Bodec can also use the knowledge gained during process development and production to help define process steps, equipment requirements and practical production conditions for a future factory.

Customers are responsible for purchasing and delivering the required raw materials to Bodec on time. This is important because the availability and consistency of raw materials directly affect the planning and execution of laboratory tests, pilot trials and production batches. During project preparation, Bodec can help determine which quantities and specifications are required for the planned tests or production runs.

Bodec treats customer formulations, process information, test results and other project information confidentially. We typically work under a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) or confidentiality agreement. This provides a clear framework for handling confidential information during process development, testing, scale-up and production. Our independent position is important in this respect: Bodec does not develop its own ingredients that compete with customer projects.

The intellectual property and product ownership remain with the customer. Bodec acts as an independent development partner and does not develop ingredients for its own commercial portfolio. Our role is to provide process knowledge, facilities and practical support to help customers develop and scale their own products and processes. Specific agreements regarding intellectual property can be established as part of the project agreement.

No. Bodec does not develop its own branded ingredients that compete with its customers. Our role is to support customers in developing, testing, optimising and scaling the process behind their ingredient or product concept. The product idea, application and market direction remain with the customer. This allows Bodec to remain an independent process development and production partner.