Burcon records first commercial sales of high-purity canola protein isolate

Burcon NutraScience Corporation, a Vancouver-based developer of plant-based protein ingredients, has achieved its first commercial sales of Puratein C, a canola protein isolate containing more than 90% protein. The milestone marks the debut of a product the company believes will play an important role in meeting growing demand for sustainable, nutritionally complete proteins.

“The first sales of Puratein canola protein mark another step in scaling Burcon’s innovation into the market,” commented Kip Underwood, Chief Executive Officer of Burcon. “By leveraging our technology platform, we are creating sustainable, high-quality proteins that drive new opportunities for customers and revenue growth.”

Puratein C is extracted from non-GMO canola seeds grown in North America and processed without solvents. The ingredient delivers a complete amino acid profile, including all nine essential amino acids, and achieves a Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) of 1, the highest possible rating. Burcon says this combination of purity, digestibility, and functionality makes it suitable for a broad range of applications, from dairy alternatives and ready-to-drink beverages to meat analogues, baked goods, sauces, and nutrition products.

With high solubility, a mild flavor, and a light cream color, Puratein C is designed to integrate seamlessly into formulations without overpowering other ingredients. This is a critical factor for product developers seeking to maintain taste and appearance while enhancing protein content.

For Burcon, the launch of commercial sales validates years of investment in protein extraction and processing technologies. The company has focused on upcycling agricultural by-products into high-value ingredients, aiming to deliver solutions that are both economically viable and environmentally sustainable. By turning canola meal – traditionally used as low-value animal feed – into a premium protein source, Burcon is extending the utility of one of North America’s largest crops.

“This milestone further validates Burcon’s growth strategy to establish recurring revenue from multiple products,” the company noted in its announcement. By expanding its addressable market into categories such as foodservice, nutraceuticals, and packaged goods, Burcon aims to capture opportunities in the fast-growing plant protein sector.

The global market for alternative proteins has been expanding steadily as consumers look for products that align with health, environmental, and ethical priorities. At the same time, food manufacturers are under pressure to reduce reliance on animal-derived proteins and improve sustainability across supply chains. Burcon positions Puratein C as a solution that balances functionality, nutrition, and clean-label attributes.

Burcon has built its reputation as a technology leader with more than two decades of research and development. Its patent portfolio spans proteins from pea, soy, canola, hemp, sunflower, and other sources. The company’s ingredients are designed to offer superior taste, texture, and performance for food and beverage formulators who require proteins that go beyond basic nutrition.

Underwood, who took the helm of the company in 2023, has emphasized commercialization as a priority. Burcon has historically been recognized for its scientific achievements and intellectual property but faced challenges translating those assets into revenue. The launch of Puratein C into the market represents progress toward turning technology into sustained business growth.

The introduction of high-purity canola protein could also help diversify the plant protein landscape. While pea and soy dominate the category, they have limitations, including allergen concerns and off-flavors. Canola, by contrast, is widely cultivated and offers a complementary amino acid profile, making it a strong candidate for blending with other proteins to enhance nutritional value.

The sales announcement did not disclose specific customers or volumes, but Burcon indicated that Puratein C will be available for a wide array of product developers. For those interested in trialing the ingredient, the company is offering samples and technical support.

With this first step into the market, Burcon is signaling confidence in its ability to move from research into recurring sales. The company said it plans to continue leveraging its technology platform to bring additional protein ingredients to commercial scale.

“As we bring Puratein C to market, we are reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and innovation,” Underwood said. “Our goal is to provide formulators with the best possible plant-based protein options to meet evolving consumer expectations.”

Burcon’s achievement underscores the broader momentum in plant protein innovation, where advances in processing technologies are unlocking new sources of nutrition. For food and beverage companies seeking alternatives that are both functional and label-friendly, Puratein C represents a new option built on more than two decades of scientific development.