Looop x Smicon: From residual stream to valuable resource

At Looop in Venlo, everything revolves around circularity. The company, active in the agri-food sector for nearly a century, has evolved over the past 30 years into an innovative player in the valorisation of organic by-products. Frank Lavrijsen, co-owner and responsible for technology and technical innovation, shares how Looop is working toward a future without waste – and how Smicon helps make that ambition a reality.
 

A clear mission: a world without waste

Looop’s mission is bold and straightforward: to contribute to a world without waste. What began as a trading company for residual flows has transformed into a processor and valoriser of those streams. The focus lies primarily on organic by-products from the food industry — such as potato peels, dairy residues, brewer's grains, and other nutrient-rich waste materials. These are repurposed into valuable applications like animal feed, pet food, or insect protein.

“As of now, we recover over 1.5 million tonnes of renewable raw materials each year,” says Frank.

The power of potato steam peels

One of the best examples of Looop’s approach is their use of potato steam peels — a by-product from the steaming and brushing of potatoes during the production of fries, mash, or other potato-based products.

By grinding the peels into a homogenous, pumpable feed material, Looop makes them suitable for a wide range of applications. They're especially valuable in pig feed, thanks to their palatability, viscosity, and digestibility. But steam peels are also increasingly used in insect farming, where their nutritional value is a key asset.

“The peels are nutritious, palatable, and ideal for use in circular feeding strategies,” Frank explains. “We work with multiple potato processors in the Benelux to make the most of these streams.”

Matching the right stream to the right destination

Looop processes a wide variety of by-products — from fresh produce, dairy, breweries, and beyond. Each stream has different characteristics and potential.

“We have our own lab to test for dry matter content, nutritional values, and GMP compliance. That’s how we determine which stream fits which application,” Frank says. Together with research institutions like Wageningen University & Research, HAN University of Applied Sciences, and Avans, Looop continuously explores new opportunities. The results vary: what works for animal feed may not be suitable for pet food — and vice versa. Looop acts as a central hub, blending streams and creating tailored recipes. “We work closely with suppliers, processors, customers, and research partners. That’s how we keep organic by-products moving through the circular chain.”

Partnering with Smicon: Efficient, scalable processing

To handle all of these streams, robust and flexible machines are a must. Looop processes tens of thousands of tonnes of organic material annually, so speed, hygiene and low-maintenance operation are crucial. The partnership with Smicon began through a personal connection with former owner Tonnie.

“Smicon understands exactly what we need. Their machines help us pre-process residuals into a consistent, homogenous product,” Frank explains.

For processing the potato steam peels, Looop chose the SMIMO15, a depackaging and grinding solution well-suited for wet, starchy materials. The SMIMO homogeniser uses a rotor to reduce the product to a pumpable mash. A built-in sieve ensures only properly processed material passes through. “The SMIMO15 has proven itself in similar applications, so it was the logical choice for us,” adds Junior Project Leader Brechje from Smicon.
 

Looking ahead: Insect farming & bioplastics

Innovation is at the heart of Looop’s work, and Frank is constantly experimenting with new applications — including the processing of plant-based sludges, a challenging but promising stream.
He also sees growing potential in the insect protein sector, where residuals like potato peels offer a nutrient-rich feedstock. The resulting proteins and fats are already being used in aquaculture, pet food, and even human consumption.

Frank’s motto: “Impossible is not an option.” That mindset drives Looop’s pioneering role, even in markets that don’t yet exist.

Challenges & opportunities in the market

The organic by-product market can be unpredictable. Supply levels fluctuate based on season, production cycles, or market demand. “That’s why we focus on flexibility and develop multiple end-products from one stream — like using potato peels for both pig and insect feed,” Frank explains. Start-ups are increasingly exploring new uses for residuals like brewer’s grain or stale bread, and Looop supports them with logistics, storage, and technical know-how. “We offer a total solution — not just knowledge, but the infrastructure to scale ideas.”

Building a circular future, together

Looop and Smicon share a mission: to bring residual streams back into the chain and turn waste into value. Whether it’s feed, compost, insect protein or biogas — together, we’re making the loop more complete every day. Curious how Smicon can support your residual processing goals? Contact us or check out our machinery. 

Behind the scenes: Brechje’s first project as Project Leader

Thanks to the efforts of the entire team – from sales to service and from engineering to project management – Looop has installed a system that functions effectively in an unmanned environment with complex flows. Brechje's first project as a project manager was not only a great start but also a prime example of how Smicon, as a partner, adapts to the client's needs – both technically and personally.

During this educational process, she directly interacted with various stakeholders both within and outside the project team. A special moment was her first independent visit to the site in Belgium, where she witnessed the installation and commissioning up close. "That visit gave me a good impression of the SMIMO15 system and the client's work environment, giving me a good understanding of everything that needs to be arranged simultaneously for a successful installation," she says.

In close consultation, the system was tailored to the daily practices on site. This required a specific point: the processed products are collected by drivers without the intervention of personnel/operators. "That's why we opted for a service contract, so Looop is guaranteed proper maintenance and a long lifespan of the machine, without having to actively manage it ourselves. We also created additional user instructions for the installation," says Brechje.

According to Brechje, the biggest challenge was coordinating with everyone involved on-site. "I've learned that you have little control over some things, no matter how well you prepare. That requires clear communication and the ability to adapt quickly. Sometimes you have to go the extra mile to make it work for everyone – and that's something you're happy to do. I'll definitely take these experiences with me to the next project!"