Food-tech company creates protein powder from CO2

Solar Foods company produces a protein powder that is not only sustainable but also carbon negative

Spotted: Finnish food-tech company Solar Foods has launched a protein-powder made from air pollution.

The texture and taste of “Solein” powder are similar to flour; however, production is completely different from that of traditional agriculture. Arable land is not needed, nor is unsustainable volumes of water. One kilogram of Solein requires only 10 litres of water, compared to the 2,500 litres needed to create a kilogram of soy.

The captured C02 is transformed into a single-cell protein through a natural fermentation process facilitated by electricity and water. The company powers the fermentation process with renewable energy, creating a carbon-negative product. What’s more, unlike most resources, it’s unlikely that carbon dioxide will run out. 

Solein is based on a concept developed by NASA. The powder is 50 per cent protein, 20 to 25 per cent carbohydrates and 5 to 10 per cent fat.

Solar Foods is currently working with the European Space Agency to release Solein globally by 2021 and provide two million meals a year by 2023. In future production could take place anywhere, particularly in regions where climate change has made agriculture defunct.