Solar Foods has developed a process that uses renewable energy and CO2 to create Soleina, an alternative protein food.
The Finnish startup said the process makes Solein 100 times more environmentally friendly than any other protein source. Even those derived from plants. The technique could improve the environmental impact of current farming techniques and the need to produce and have food in areas in which it is not possible to exploit traditional agriculture.
Snack microbes
To create the Soleina, Solar Foods has started using renewable energy to separate water particles into hydrogen and oxygen. He then combined the hydrogen obtained with CO2 by adding potassium, sodium and others nutrients.
The resulting mixture was subjected to the activity of some microbes, that have created an edible ingredient.
From the prospects of Solar Foods, we know that Soleine is 20% to 25% carbohydrates, 5% to 10% fat and 50% protein.
“Producing Solein does not require any agricultural techniques. It does not require arable land, does not require any type of irrigation, and is not affected by climate,” reads the company's press release. “It can be produced anywhere in the world, even in areas where conventional protein production is not possible at all.”
Synergy between Startups
Solar Foods hopes to have Solein on store shelves by next two years, initially in the form of yogurt or protein drinks. However, there will be the most significant growth in case of agreements with other companies in the field of alternative foods.
“We know that Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods use pea and soy proteins in their meatless burgers,” says Solar Foods CEO Pasi Vainikka. “Their next exponential growth will require many more ingredients, and our protein will be able to play an important role in the diffusion of sustainable foods.”
