A pioneering palm oil replacement made from fungi

The natural ingredient is fully traceable and usable in a variety of beauty, food, and household products

Spotted: Between 1980 and 2014, palm oil production increased 15-fold, bringing with it mass deforestation around the world. Because of this, palm oil production is considered a key threat to 193 endangered and vulnerable species. But, the versatility of palm oil means that it is very difficult for consumers to avoid using it, particularly since sustainable palm oils are often mixed in with conventionally (and unsustainably) produced versions. 

Rather than focus on growing and producing palm oil sustainably, C16 Biosciences is avoiding agriculture altogether, with traceable replacements for palm oil that are produced via fermentation. The alternative could work in place of palm oil in products across almost every industry, including beauty. 

Available on the platform Palmless, C16 Biosciences’ powerhouse ingredient is Torula Oil, and all products on Palmless are produced via C16 Biosciences’ yeast fermentation process. Thanks to the fungi involved in the fermentation, Torula Oil is rich in carotenoids, sterols, antioxidants, vitamin D, and more, all of which are essential to today’s health and beauty products. Torula Oil has also been shown to boost the performance of SPF products.  

Last month, C16 Biosciences received a $3.5 million (around €3.3 million) grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, adding to a $1 million (around €933,000) investment from Elemental Excelerator last year. The new funding will allow the company to expand its Palmless platform to develop food-grade oils and fats. Feasibility studies of Palmless oil have already demonstrated its viability in items like ice cream, chocolate, and baked goods, but the company is also exploring applications in dairy products, proteins, and baby formula.  

From upcycled CO2 to easily sourced biowaste, Springwise’s library contains a number of examples of innovative new palm oil replacements.

Written By: Keely Khoury and Matilda Cox