Protix appoints Maiko van der Meer as CEO to drive global growth in sustainable protein

NETHERLANDS – Protix, a global pioneer in insect-based ingredients, has announced the appointment of Maiko van der Meer as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective November 2025. 

The company said van der Meer’s extensive experience across leading food and feed firms makes him ideally suited to steer Protix through its next phase of international expansion and solidify its position as a global leader in sustainable protein innovation.

With nearly 30 years of experience, van der Meer has served in senior leadership and board positions at global companies including Unilever, Mowi, Vion Food Group, Klaas Puul, Storteboom Food Group, and Tyson Foods. 

In recent years, he has been an active advocate for alternative proteins, spanning algae, plant, mycoprotein, and cultured meat, motivated by what he describes as “the belief that the world needs to produce sufficient protein in a responsible way.”

Taking the helm of Protix, van der Meer expressed enthusiasm for leading a company that stands at the intersection of sustainability and technology. 

“With rising meat and seafood demand and the need for more sustainable food chains, I am excited to lead a company that is at the forefront of changing the food system,” he said. 

“Protix is building on a solid foundation with strong assets such as its committed team, unique portfolio of functional ingredients, state-of-the-art technology, and valuable partnerships such as that with Tyson Foods.”

Under his leadership, Protix plans to advance its global expansion through a sharpened strategic focus and operational agility. 

The company aims to strengthen its role as a reliable partner to aquafeed, livestock feed, and pet food producers, leveraging its insect-based functional ingredients to enhance both performance and sustainability across the food value chain.

Science confirms lower environmental footprint

Protix’s appointment news comes alongside a major scientific endorsement of its sustainability credentials. 

A new peer-reviewed study published in ScienceDirect has confirmed that Protix’s insect-based ingredients have significantly lower environmental impacts than conventional animal and plant proteins.

The research, conducted by scientists from the German Institute of Food Technologies and the Institute of Food Quality and Food Safety, validated Protix’s Life Cycle Assessment data using primary information from its full-scale commercial operations in the Netherlands.

Findings from the study show that ProteinX®, Protix’s premium insect meal, reduces carbon emissions by 78% compared to poultry meal and up to 89% compared to soy protein concentrate, one of the most widely used protein sources in aquaculture. 

Meanwhile, LipidX®, the firm’s insect fat, achieves near-zero land use and uses 100% less land than coconut oil, while PureeX®, its fresh insect meat, was found to consume 99.8% less water than poultry meat typically used in pet food.

These results further bolster Protix’s position as a frontrunner in sustainable feed and pet food production, aligning closely with van der Meer’s mission to build a more circular food system. 

“I see a bright future for functional insect ingredients,” he said, “and look forward to advancing their role in building a circular food system.”

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