Michel van Spankeren

Global Technical Manager Feed

Protix

Netherlands

Michel’s current position at Protix reflects his dedication to driving sustainability within the aquaculture industry. He plays a crucial role in navigating the intricate dynamics of the value chain, facilitating the translation of circular ingredients into innovative and sustainable seafood propositions. In essence, Michel acts as a bridge, connecting Protix's cutting-edge solutions with the broader industry, catalysing positive change.

Since 2010, Michel has strategically navigated various facets of the aquaculture industry, accumulating invaluable experience in research, farming, and nutrition. His diverse roles across hatcheries, research institutions, and aquafeed companies have afforded him a comprehensive perspective on the industry's intricacies.

Michel has two master's degrees from Wagenigen University in The Netherlands, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of aquaculture and animal nutrition.

Session

Marketing Alternative Ingredients: New Opportunities

Presentation

From Substitute to Solution: Turning Alternative Ingredients into Functional Value

Abstract

Aquaculture is entering a new phase: ingredient volatility, sustainability pressure and the demand for better biological performance are forcing the industry to rethink what “alternative ingredients” should really deliver. This presentation argues that the next generation of aquafeed ingredients will win not by being cheaper substitutes, but by providing functional value where it matters most: in palatability, digestibility, robustness, health and feedmill reliability.

Using insect meal from Protix as a practical case, the presentation will show how a layered development approach can unlock this value, from initial screening and dose-response studies to mechanistic insight and field validation. It will also demonstrate why quality consistency, supply stability and traceability are essential if novel ingredients are to move from promising trials into everyday aquafeed formulations.

Beyond performance, the presentation will explore how circular production and science-based life cycle assessment are changing the conversation around sustainability. With peer-reviewed evidence and aquaculture data in hand, alternative ingredients can do more than reduce risk: they can help shape future-ready feeds that are both biologically effective and commercially credible. For feed producers, farmers and ingredient buyers, the central question is no longer whether alternatives exist, but which ones can create real, durable value across the value chain.

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