Innovative engineering solutions for Lasenor’s new lecithin refinery plant in India

Ayesa, a global provider of engineering and technology services, is undertaking detailed engineering and procurement management for a new lecithin refinery plant, which the multinational Lasenor in India is developing. Following the design phase, Ayesa will oversee the construction and commissioning of the facility.

The detailed engineering work is expected to last approximately one year, after which Ayesa will supervise the construction and commissioning of the plant.

Lasenor, a leading company in food industry additives, operates in over 100 countries and has production facilities in eight. The new plant, located in Butibori, Maharashtra, India, represents an investment of €15 million. The project began with basic engineering at the end of 2022, and operations are projected to commence in the second quarter of 2025.

During the current detailed engineering phase, Ayesa provides the detailed design of technical requirements necessary for efficient procurement and subsequent construction and commissioning. The multidisciplinary team working on the project includes experts in processes, mechanics, piping, civil engineering, electrical systems, instrumentation, and safety, ensuring a robust and efficient plant design.

This contract underscores Ayesa’s commitment to supporting industrial development in India. It is the first lecithin development project in the country, adding to Ayesa’s portfolio of biotechnology plants for the food industry.

Ayesa driving innovation for the food industry

Innovation is central to this new plant, which will produce 3,000 tons of refined lecithin annually. Lecithin is a natural emulsifier with potential health benefits. Additionally, the plant will produce 1,932 tons of by-product oil annually.

Ayesa is leveraging its multidisciplinary expertise to design a state-of-the-art facility. The production process will refine lecithin to remove soybean oil, fatty acids, and other impurities, producing a high-quality, oil-free product. After refining, the lecithin will be milled and packaged for distribution.

A key innovation is recycling of acetone through a distillation process, which reduces raw material consumption and improves sustainability. Ayesa’s role in integrating this technology within a cost-effective and scalable framework underscores its commitment to sustainable engineering practices.

As India’s first lecithin refinery project, Ayesa has adapted advanced international engineering solutions to meet local conditions, regulations, and resource availability. The Ayesa approach includes better energy use and integrating modern design tools such as 3D modelling to enhance efficiency and minimise errors during construction.

This project highlights the cutting-edge approach taken by both Lasenor and Ayesa, which has contributed to advancements in food additive production while fostering industrial innovation in India.