PROALAN is a company located in Granollers, Barcelona and founded on 15th February 1974 with the idea of providing a solution to the problem that arose in the animal feed market due to an enormous increase in the price of soya, which is regulated in international markets and a basic raw material in the production of animal feed. The name PROALAN (in Spanish) stands for PRO (protein), AL (feed) and AN (animal).

The proposed solution consisted of producing animal blood hydrolysates by means of a process developed by the company itself, and which made use of this by-product that was largely rejected and removed by the food industry. The company converted this by-product into a product that outperformed the benefits offered by soya: it is a more digestible product with a high-protein content rich in essential amino acids and at an affordable price. This use of animal blood made the company one of the pioneers in promoting the circular economy, by reusing animal by-products from the food industry chain and putting them back into the food industry.

The company’s beginnings were not ideal. By the time its new factory was built and production was up and running, the price of soya returned to normal levels, and it was once again the main ingredient in animal feed products.

PROALAN rethought its business and spent a few years researching the hydrolysis of the different animal by-products available on the market. It studied their application in the market and expanded the raw material use by obtaining products with added differentiation, with a focus on what is still its core business today: protein hydrolysis. The company does in fact hold the honorary title of being the first Spanish company to manufacture what are now known as amino acid-based biostimulants for the agricultural sector and, from here in Spain, to extend their use throughout the world.

Ever since then, PROALAN has been growing through the use of amino acids in agriculture, both nationally and internationally, and is now a leading company and a benchmark in the industry in this field. It has adapted to the changes and trends that have occurred in the market, such as the inclusion of vegetable proteins with biostimulants or the use of hydrolysed proteins as insect attractants.

In 2024, the company marked a historic milestone. It celebrated 50 years dedicated to innovating, developing and delivering agricultural solutions that transform the industry globally. With half a century of experience, it has established itself as a benchmark in the industry, thanks to a deep technical knowledge and a tireless search for excellence. With a global presence and working hand-in-hand with customers, crop and livestock farmers and strategic partners on five continents, it has transformed challenges into opportunities and set quality and sustainability standards.

Ever since its inception, PROALAN’s efforts have focused on a key area for modern agriculture: the hydrolysis process. Its powerful know-how and expertise in this technique has enabled it to lead the way in the manufacture of amino acid-based biostimulants, products that not only boost crop health, but also contribute to more sustainable and efficient agriculture.

With a solid foundation in advanced knowledge of hydrolysis processes, PROALAN has developed a diversified portfolio covering multiple strategic areas. Its vision has always gone beyond the agricultural field. Today, it proudly demonstrates its significant presence in sectors such as:

• Cosmetics: Developing innovative ingredients that enrich personal care and advanced cosmetic products.
• Tanning: Contributing with specialized solutions that optimize the processes for treating hides and skins, thus promoting more sustainable practices in this traditional industry.
• Animal health and nutrition: Manufacturing nutritional supplements that improve animal health, welfare and performance, thus supporting responsible production systems.
• Aquaculture: Assisting in promoting growth and stimulating consumption in fish diets.
• Biotechnology: Offering a great solution in ingredients for the preparation of culture media, which is the main source of nitrogen for bacterial growth.
• Detergency: Helping to protect the skin and producing a direct dermatological and regenerative effect in hand dishwashing.

This ability to diversify has been possible thanks to the talent and commitment of the team, who combine scientific rigor with creativity and innovation to offer solutions that make a difference in every market where the company has operated on this long journey. This is why PROALAN is celebrating these 50 years with its current and retired employees at an internal event at the Circuit de Catalunya, Montmeló, which is near its facilities in Granollers. The challenge now is to be able to grow continuously, to incorporate new generations and to remain faithful to its commitment to innovation, sustainable development and the well-being of future generations.