Sun Bear Bioworks is using synthetic biology, precision fermentation and machine learning to develop a substance that mimics the functionalities of palm oil.
With increasing regulations and shifting market demands, palm oil is frequently presenting more challenges than solutions for companies. In response, the biotechnology industry is taking the lead in offering alternative solutions to meet the growing demand for sustainable ingredients.
Sun Bear’s palm oil alternative is made from yeast, a single cell organism that’s abundant in both natural environments and waste streams. By manipulating the microbes, Sun Bear is able to enhance the metabolic process and produce its palm oil alternative using a method that’s similar to brewing alcohol. ‘In short, the yeast eats sugar, turns the sugar into oil, which we process and are able to commercialise,’ explains Ben Wilding, the company’s chief executive.
The new sustainable alternative can be used as a drop-in replacement for palm oil. It has a high melting point and does not have any taste or smell. This allows it to provide the same benefits and functions that palm oil offers in a variety of consumer products.
The UK-based biotechnology start-up has secured £500,000 in funding to advance its sustainable palm oil alternative. It was founded in 2022 with initial funding from the Carbon13 accelerator programme.
In April, we hosted our Regenerative Futures webinar in collaboration with our sustainability partners Carbon13 as part of the Foresight Festival. You can watch it here.
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