Solar Foods has developed a process that uses renewable energy and CO2 to create Soleina, an alternative protein food.
The Finnish startup declared that the process makes Solein 100 times more eco-sustainable than any other protein source. Even those obtained from plants. The technique could improve the environmental impact of current agricultural techniques and the need to produce and dispose of food in areas where traditional agriculture cannot be exploited.
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 obtained hydrogen with CO2 by adding potassium, sodium and other nutrients.
The mixture obtained was subjected to the activity of some microbes, which 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 bring Soleina to store shelves within the next two years, initially in the form of yogurt or protein drinks. However, the most significant growth will occur in the 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 can play an important role in the spread of sustainable foods.”
