With the mounting concern over deforestation that palm oil causes, many consumers may now opt for C16 Biosciences lab-grown palm oil alternative. The palm oil industry has been estimated to be worth upwards of $88 billion USD and the product is used in the production of food, clothing, cosmetics, shampoos, and fuel.
Thanks to synthetic biology, C16 Biosciencses was able to develop an environmentally-friendly, sustainable alternative to traditional palm oil. To create it, the startup uses yeast that is grown in tap water that eats feedstock and a carbon source to multiply. C16 Biosciences’ website states: "We believe that brewing palm oil like beer is the best and most likely path to developing a truly sustainable palm oil alternative."
The company plans to launch in the skincare and cosmetic industry and eventually expand into the food and clothing industry.
Lab-Grown Palm Oils
Eco-Friendly Tech Startup C16 Biosciences Launched a Palm Oil Alternative
Trend Themes
1. Lab-grown Alternatives - The trend of lab-grown palm oil alternatives presents an opportunity for companies in other industries to develop eco-friendly, sustainable alternatives.
2. Synthetic Biology - The use of synthetic biology in creating lab-grown palm oil alternatives opens up disruptive innovation opportunities in other industries where environmentally-friendly alternatives are needed.
3. Sustainable Ingredients - The shift towards sustainable ingredients in the palm oil industry presents an opportunity for other industries to follow suit and develop innovative solutions to other environmental issues.
Industry Implications
1. Skincare and Cosmetics - The skincare and cosmetics industry can benefit from using the eco-friendly, lab-grown palm oil alternative as a selling point for environmentally-conscious consumers.
2. Food - The food industry can explore the use of lab-grown palm oil as a sustainable and eco-friendly ingredient in their products.
3. Clothing and Textiles - The clothing and textile industry can incorporate the use of lab-grown palm oil alternative into their production processes as part of their sustainability efforts.