Grainnet

Toronto, ON—BioExx Specialty Proteins Ltd. (TSX:BXI) is pleased to announce that it has successfully produced commercial-scale canola protein isolate in its first complete end-to-end protein production run at its Saskatoon plant.

The protein produced was tested in the BioExx lab for purity and was corroborated at the independent testing facilities of POS Pilot Plant Corp.

These results are more desirable than the prior run as they are above 90% but more consistent with the Company's published commercial product specifications and operating targets.

Protein yields were slightly lower than on the prior run due to some product losses resulting from a modification to equipment settings during the run, but yield is expected to fluctuate within a small range as adjustments are made leading to continuous operation, at which time yields are expected to meet or exceed targets.

The protein isolate was produced using each of the three full-scale commercial sections of the BioExx plant, including Pressing, Extraction, and Protein Processing.

The run, which included both batch and for the first time, some continuous processing, was the largest so far using a seed input quantity of 2.5 metric tonnes.

This is also the first production where all sections of the plant were utilized in the normal operating sequence and therefore provides the most compelling evidence to date of the efficacy of each of the processing sections working in concert.

This run was also significant because it utilized the full size commercial extraction system for the first time.

The operating team was very pleased with how well the extraction plant performed, as oil content of extracted meal was below 2%, ahead of the commercial operating plan of 3% or lower.

BioExx will now continue its methodical ramp-up of the Saskatoon plant, focussed on activities leading to the production and shipment of food grade proteins from the plant on a continuous commercial basis.

These activities include:

• moving from batch to fully continuous production, albeit at low volumes initially

• completing work on ancillary systems required for food grade production (such as packaging, pasteurization, and automated cleaning systems)

• ramping continuous production volumes first to a 4/24 level and then, as staffing is increased and certification is completed, to 7/24

• extending the existing plant HACCP/GMP/ISO certifications to include the extraction and protein sections of the plant.

"Meeting our targeted commercial purity specification on our first full-plant production run is yet another important milestone that again adds to our confidence that we have a plant that can meet all of its original objectives," said BioExx CEO Chris Carl.

"We still have much work ahead of us to bring the plant to full continuous operation and food grade sales over the balance of the year, but the remaining steps are largely incremental and operational matters.

"Achieving these results on our first attempt is a testament to the quality and determination of our R&D, operations and engineering teams.

"We are excited and ready for the challenges that lie ahead and we look forward to the ongoing creation of additional value for our shareholders."

For more information, call 416-588-4442, ext. 111.

See Related Websites/Articles:

• BioExx

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