CoryPro Ingredients Partners with Polymerals to Revolutionize Guar Protein Production in Mexico

CoryPro Ingredients—an innovative US startup focused on extracting high-value proteins from the byproducts of guar gum—has recently reached a significant agreement with Polymerals, a leading Mexican guar gum producer. This collaboration aims to establish a state-of-the-art guar protein processing facility in Torreón, Mexico.

A Strategic Partnership

The newly signed agreement outlines a robust framework for investment, construction, and long-term collaboration. Polymerals will contribute essential feedstock, land, and infrastructure, while CoryPro will leverage its proprietary technology and expertise in commercialization to drive the project forward.

“This agreement marks a pivotal step in CoryPro’s strategy to introduce upcycled, scalable, and economical cluster bean protein ingredients to the global market,”

According to Beausire, the parties are optimistic about finalizing definitive agreements after further engineering and investment planning. CoryPro is currently seeking $2 million in seed funding, with an initial target of $1 million to facilitate the production of 10 tons of protein concentrate for customer sampling and a limited product launch.

Funding Goals and Production Strategy

This initial funding will also support a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) submission to the FDA, further intellectual property development, and customer engagement to secure letters of intent. Additionally, a comprehensive engineering plan for the facility in Mexico will be created.

Beausire emphasized the financial viability of the Torreón plant, stating: “This plant is relatively low-cost compared to others and would be very profitable. The relationship with Polymerals helps reduce the capital needs.”

The Advantages of Guar Protein

While food companies have been inundated with various protein sources in recent years, Beausire claims that guar protein offers an appealing option due to its clean taste and competitive pricing. Each year, approximately three million tons of guar beans (also known as cluster beans) are processed, primarily for the production of guar gum, a widely used thickener and emulsifier in packaged foods. Unfortunately, the protein-rich meal left after guar gum extraction often ends up in low-value animal feed markets.

Developing higher-value protein concentrates and isolates for human consumption presents numerous benefits. Guar meal contains a remarkable 55% clean protein content, and with the established high-value market for guar gum, CoryPro does not face the challenge of monetizing the primary ingredient to ensure profitability.

Economic Stability of Guar Protein

In contrast, other plant-based protein sources, such as mung beans or peas, have their protein primarily targeted while their byproducts remain less valuable. Beausire explains how this affects market dynamics: “For these other plant proteins, if there’s a drought in Canada or another influential factor, their prices directly surge. Guar, however, thrives in drier conditions. Even if external issues impact the crop, guar gum prices may rise, yet the protein meal prices are linked to defatted soybean meal, significantly reducing market variability.”

This partnership and facility set-up not only highlights the potential of guar bean protein but also represents a step toward a more sustainable and profitable future in the protein ingredients market.