Bolt Threads’ Post

🌴💋DIY Palm Oil As January came to an end, Unilever, L’Oréal, and Kao launched a joint venture to produce and commercialize drop-in alternatives to common cosmetic, personal care, and cleaning product ingredients. The 3 multinational beauty makers have teamed up with fermentation-based technology development company Geno—perhaps best known in our industry as the makers of Brontide butylene glycol. The company launched that first ingredient at in-cosmetics global back in 2018, which was one of the first times that I spoke with the team at (what was then) Genomatica. Now as a joint venture, Unilever, L’Oréal, Kao, and Geno are developing “sustainable alternatives for everyday ingredients to help reduce dependence on palm.” Those ingredients are surfactants, namely fatty alcohols and acids. The palm oil (derivatives) supply chain is notoriously difficult to trace; and all too often sourcing directly impacts climate change (through deforestation and emissions), diminishes biodiversity (destroying the habitats of orangutan and other species), and violates human rights. Biotech, fermentation in particular, seems to be the best solution we have right now. “By establishing such new supply chains that are traceable and transparent, we will further promote responsible raw material sourcing,” says Masahiro Katayose Senior Executive Officer and President of the Chemical Business at Kao, in a release publicizing the launch of Future Origins. The beauty makers and their biotech partner announced the launch of the joint venture Future Origins at the American Cleaning Institute's Innovation Showcase on January 31. Geno is the majority owner of Future Origins, while the beauty makers involved are financial bakers. A first commercial facility is expected to go on line before 2029. And construction is expected to start next year. So far, Future Origins has “completed [several] 63,000-liter pilot-scale fermentation runs [and] produced several tons of material,” according to the release. Some of that was processed into detergent alcohols. And the venture’s commercial partners are working with the ingredients now, gathering data that will help scale production over the next 5 (or fewer) years. The key to these types of biotechnology processes are patented micro-organisms that are fed some sort of sugar and, through their metabolic process of fermentation, generate the desired molecule. The micro-organisms are sometimes called ‘designer’ or are said to have undergone ‘editing’; but basically, they’ve been tweaked so that the waste they would naturally produce is of value to industry.... #beauty #skincare #supplychain

Hindustan Unilever (HUL) is reducing the content of palm oil and its derivatives in soaps by 25%, a global first, as part of a strategy to offset commodity price volatility and reduce environmental impact. The innovation, called Stratos, took HUL almost five years to develop and will be rolled out in other countries by parent company Unilever. The technology replaces palm oil with a mix of plant-derived polysaccharides, vitamin blends, and natural fatty acids, improving the product while using 25% less palm oil. https://lnkd.in/gfz-t-iv

The Road to Net Zero: The Power of Microalgae Microalgae are one of the oldest species on earth. They can thrive in fresh and sea waters and their reproduction rate is astounding. Through photosynthesis, the chlorophyll they contain can convert carbon dioxide into biomasses such as protein, carbohydrates and fats and, in the process, oxygen is generated. Currently, microalgae are being used in the production of food, health supplements, drugs, cosmetics, biofuels and bioplastics. They are the stars of tomorrow for Hong Kong companies that are seeking out green opportunities. #ESG, #Sustainability, #SustainableDevelopmentGoals, #SDGs, #ClimateChange, #FoodSecurity, #ZeroHunger, #AgriTech, #FoodTech, #Technology, #Innovation, #Microalgae, #PlantBasedProtein, #AIternativeProtein, #AltProtein, #FoodIngredients, #FoodAdditives, #HealthSupplements, #Cosmetics, #Skincare, #Startups, #HongKong, #GBA, #MainlandChina #Indonesia Thanks Wong Kenny, Raymond Hu and Agnes Li!

Let's talk about micronutrient fortification. One of our supply chain partners, Xampla, has a unique and proprietary innovation that employs the use of encapsulated vitamins. Using microcapsule technology, which is essentially a process whereby fat-soluble vitamins are encapsulated inside edible plant protein, it becomes possible to protect nutrients from environmental destruction caused by UV light, PH or heat shock. This makes it possible to transport fortified products to consumers without risk of nutrient degradation - thereby benefitting various consumer use cases both cross-category and with multiple applications and product formats. One such case study is where Xampla has partnered with global drinks manufacturer Britvic which will see Xampla microcapsules used to encase Vitamin D in their soft drinks. Not only will Britvic use Xampla tech to guarantee increased nutrient density in the end-consumed product, but because the threat of nutrient degradation from UV light is eradicated, the use of clear plastic bottles then becomes possible which are statistically proven to be more likely to be recycled. For a £140m company like Britvic plc, the environmental impact from this one application becomes significant.

New in Funding: Series C for mycoprotein production, $3.5M for cell-cultured collagen commercialisation, Series A for brain-fuel protein bars 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 ENOUGH raised €40M Series C funding to scale production of its mycoprotein product, Abunda, with the aim of producing enough protein to replace five million cows or one billion chickens by 2032. 🇺🇸 Bushel secured $26M in a funding round led by The Banc Funds Company. It will use the funds to support expansion of its software tools for functions like payments, retail services and automated grain contracts. 💰 Highlight secured $18M Series A funding, in a round led by Acre Venture Partners and HearstLab to streamline the product testing process for major CPG companies with its at-home kits. 🌾 Yard Stick PBC raised $10.6M Series A funding to provide farms with a faster, cheaper and more accurate set of soil carbon measurement tools, employing probes which use spectroscopy to determine how much carbon is locked in the soil. 🍹 FoodLabs portfolio startup HOLY raised €10.5M to launch its DTC soft drinks offering, made with low sugar, low calories, plus functional ingredients such as vitamins, nootropics, antioxidants and fibre, into new European markets. 🥤 Yerbaé secured over $4M to further expand its line of yerba mate-based energy beverages that are zero sugar and zero calorie. 🧫 Jellatech raised $3.5M in an oversubscribed seed funding round led by byFounders It will use the capital to commercialise its cell-based proteins, including collagen, for use in healthcare, personal care, biomedical research, and food and beverage. 🍫 MOSH raised $3M Series A funding to support national expansion of its range of protein bars formulated with adaptogens and nutrients linked to brain health, including ashwagandha, lion’s mane mushroom, collagen, vitamins B12 and D3 and omega-3 fatty acids. 🧪 Cascade Biocatalysts secured $2.6M in an oversubscribed pre-seed funding round led by Ten VC. It will use the funds to scale its groundbreaking Body Armor for Enzymes™ technology, with which it seeks to drive greener and more cost-effective chemical reactions, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability across multiple industries. 🐟 Remora Robotics secured €2.5M for its autonomous net cleaner for the aquaculture industry, which uses advanced sensors to monitor and inspect fish pens at the same time as cleaning nets, offering fish farmers better information on environmental conditions. Signup for our newsletter to get the latest foodtech funding news. https://lnkd.in/drgZWT2J #FoodHack #funding #technology #agtech #foodindustry #futurefood #foodinnovationa

📌REVOLUTIONISING SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION OF PLANT-DERIVED INGREDIENTS 🎯Green Bioactives ; Green Bioactives is leading a revolutionary approach in the production of plant-derived ingredients, utilising groundbreaking plant cell culture technology. This innovative method allows for the sustainable and reliable production of valuable plant-derived ingredients, which are integral to various applications essential to daily life, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food ingredients, nutraceuticals, and crop protection products. 🎯Sustainable and Reliable Production The technology developed by Green Bioactives enables the production of these ingredients without the need to destroy trees or natural habitats, addressing the challenges of obtaining such compounds at the required volume sustainably. This is a significant advancement, considering the global inclination towards natural products and the growing concern among consumers regarding the sustainability of the sourcing of their products. #sustainability #production #Bioactives #pharmaceutical #revolutionary #approach Cipla

Rubisco protein is the most abundant protein on earth and lot of research work has been done in the past decade on extracting Rubisco protein from green leaves. The high protein quality, functionality and sustainability potential makes it an attractive source in the alternative protein space but there are challenges which need to be addressed. The protein yield of the production process is typically low so low cost good quality (fresh) raw materials with year around availability is key. Also extraction technology to optimize yield while maintaining functionality and neutralize color and taste are still focus areas. Last but not least: Rubisco protein is a novel food so needs EU Commission approval which has been a challenge for some companies. There are already companies working on the commecialization of Rubisco protein so I am curious to see developments going forward!

"Did You Know? The Incredible World of Guar Gum Powder – Unveiling the Secret Behind Its Versatility"   Welcome to a fascinating journey into the world of Guar Gum Powder, where we will unravel the mysteries behind this versatile ingredient. I am here to shed light on the incredible benefits and applications of Guar Gum Powder, as well as its potential to elevate various industries. So, sit back, relax, and get ready for some eye-opening insights! 1. The Natural Wonder of Guar Gum Powder Did you know that Guar Gum Powder is derived from the seeds of the Guar plant (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), which is predominantly grown in India and Pakistan? This natural wonder has been cherished for centuries for its unique properties. 2. The Multi-Faceted Roles of Guar Gum Powder Guar Gum Powder is a versatile ingredient, and it plays a crucial role in several industries: a. Food Industry: It's a thickening agent, stabilizer, and a gluten-free alternative, making it a staple in various food products. b. Pharmaceutical Industry: Guar Gum Powder is used to enhance drug delivery and is essential in the production of tablets and capsules. c. Textile Industry: It acts as a binder and a sizing agent, ensuring the quality and durability of textiles. d. Oil and Gas Industry: Guar Gum Powder aids in hydraulic fracturing, enhancing the extraction of oil and gas from underground reserves. 3. A Sustainable Solution Guar Gum Powder is known for its eco-friendly and biodegradable nature, making it a sustainable choice for industries that prioritize environmental responsibility. 4. The Secret Behind Its Effectiveness Guar Gum Powder's exceptional properties lie in its ability to absorb water and form a viscous solution. This characteristic makes it an ideal choice for applications requiring thickening and binding. 5. The Growing Demand As industries continue to discover the advantages of Guar Gum Powder, its demand is on the rise. This increased demand is a testament to its efficacy and adaptability. 7. How Guar Gum Powder Can Benefit Your Business Whether you are in the food, pharmaceutical, textile, or oil and gas industry, embracing Guar Gum Powder can optimize your processes, reduce costs, and enhance the quality of your products. 8. The Future of Guar Gum Powder As the world becomes more conscious of sustainable practices, Guar Gum Powder is poised to play a significant role in shaping various industries' futures.  Read more here: https://lnkd.in/druvXhyc In conclusion, Guar Gum Powder is not just an ordinary ingredient; it's a game-changer with a rich history and a promising future. Its diverse applications, eco-friendly nature, and effectiveness make it an indispensable asset across various industries. If you're looking to elevate your business with Guar Gum Powder, feel free to contact me for high-quality sourcing and exporting services. Together, we can tap into the incredible potential of Guar Gum Powder and drive success in your industry.

Danone to Scale Up Precision Fermentation with New Partnership French dairy giant Danone has announced a new project to invest in precision fermentation, partnering with Michelin, Crédit Agricole CIB and American start-up DMC Biotechnologies, Inc. The Biotech Open Platform initiative aims to foster the development of healthier products through innovative fermentation technologies. The project aims to scale up precision fermentation, a biotechnological process that creates bio-sourced materials and ingredients. Danone highlighted the process's potential to address many issues facing the food industry: "By using microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, or fungi in controlled environments, precision fermentation will increase the accuracy and efficiency of the production of proteins, enzymes, and other compounds - resulting in products that are more suited to health needs and produced in a more carbon-efficient manner”. Danone's CEO, Antoine de Saint-Affrique, emphasised commitment to the future of food: "We look forward to working with our partners to develop cutting-edge fermentation technologies, which will accelerate innovation, health benefits, and decarbonisation in the food industry”. The Biotech Open Platform project, supported by institutions like the Université Clermont Auvergne and Greentech, will be located in Clermont-Ferrand within the Parc Cataroux Center for Sustainable Materials. With an investment of over €16 million in its first phase, the platform will install a demo-scale production line by 2025, followed by additional equipment and a second production line in the subsequent years. DMC Biotechnologies, known for its Dynamic Metabolic Control technology, plays a crucial role in the partnership. The company's CEO, Kenny Erdoes, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration by stating: "For us, as an American start-up, the development of the new Biotech Open Platform will enable us to accelerate the scale-up and commercialisation of new products leveraging our transformative fermentation technology". As the food and drink industry seeks sustainable solutions, precision fermentation offers a promising alternative. It uses microorganisms to produce essential proteins, enzymes and other molecules, presenting a more sustainable and efficient method of production. The project represents a significant step towards meeting the challenges of industrial biomanufacturing and developing healthier, more sustainable products.

💡 7 alt protein takeaways from The Good Food Institute APAC's State of the Industry Report 1. APAC private alt-protein investment reached a peak in 2022 but experienced a significant decline in the first half of 2023. Singapore, initially a leader, gave way to Australia/New Zealand in alt-protein investments in the first half of 2023. 2. APAC boasts a rapidly growing alt-protein business ecosystem with 206 startups, 20 of which launched in 2022. Singapore remains a global testbed for R&D, housing 24% of all alt-protein startups in APAC. 3. Despite record funding, alt-protein represents only 0.5% of climate finance. Alt-protein could significantly reduce environmental impact, with potential annual funding requirement of $10.1B. 4. Overcoming scale-up barriers is crucial for achieving mass production and price parity with conventional proteins. Co-manufacturing organisations play a role in efficient scaling up. 5. Consumer interest in plant-based meat is high, with health being a primary driver. Barriers to consumption include price, nutrition, and flavour, with the potential for a substantial market increase if addressed. 6. Blended meat products, combining plant-based and animal-derived proteins, attract significant consumer interest (93%). Even sceptics and rejectors show interest, suggesting blended meat's potential to bridge gaps in consumer preferences. 7. Sidestream valorisation could address cost and scale-up challenges in alt-protein. Soy meal, tomato pomace, and canola meal are identified as ideal crops for sidestream valorisation. ✉️ Hungry for more on biotechnology shaping food's future? Devour the free subscription and join a list of founders, investors, and biotech enthusiasts leading the food revolution: betterbioeconomy.com #bioeconomy #foodtech #altprotein #futureoffood #food #sustainability #biotech #apac #fundraising #investing