Skip to main content
EQT Logo
EQT logo

Oils from food waste industry streams that are as versatile and affordable as palm oil, but with 96% lower carbon emissions

Over a third of all food produced each year is either lost or wasted each year. This wastage contributes to 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, surpassing the combined emissions of aviation and shipping. Annually, an individual consumes an average of 8kg of palm oil, found in half of all packaged products, from food to detergents. What if there was a way to create a circular solution to these issues?

What is the Solution?

NoPalm Ingredients introduces a transformative solution to these pressing issues. Founded in 2021, the company's mission is to offer local, circular, and sustainable yeast oils and fats as a palm oil substitute. By upcycling agri-food side streams, such as potato peels and rejected vegetables, NoPalm Ingredients creates palm oil without palm trees. This process not only offers a versatile and affordable alternative to palm oil but also significantly impacts environmental sustainability. The company’s technology reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 96% and cuts land use by 99%, addressing the core problems of deforestation and food waste.

NoPalm Ingredient's technology leverages food industry waste streams, transforming them into valuable oils through a fermentation process with specific yeasts. After fermentation, the yeast oils and fats are separated from the biomass and marketed as replacements or additives in various products, including food, cosmetics, and home care items. This innovative process has already demonstrated strong market traction, with three paid pilots and more companies expressing interest. The byproducts of this process, such as proteins and spent biomass, are further utilized, exemplifying a truly circular and sustainable approach to tackling the dual challenges of deforestation of the rainforest driven by palm oil demand and food waste. NoPalm Ingredients is addressing the scarcity of palm oil by offering a reliable solution that safeguards customers against risks associated with price fluctuations and supply chain instability. Their oils and fats mirror the functionality of palm oil fractions, allowing users to seamlessly integrate them without altering their existing process, thus creating a 1 to 1 drop-in alternative.

What EQT Foundation loves about No Palm Ingredients

EQT Foundation is always fascinated by innovations that solve problems better than the current alternatives while meeting price points and functionality. This creates a no-brainer switch for the demand side, providing a strong tailwind for the company that delivers both financial and impact returns for investors. By transforming food-industry waste into sustainable yeast oils and fats, NoPalm Ingredients not only addresses the critical issues of deforestation and food waste but also significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Their technology exemplifies a forward-thinking solution that aligns with EQT Foundation's drive towards environmental sustainability and a healthier planet.

ThinQ is the must-bookmark publication for the thinking investor.

Do You Want to Know More?

Get in touch with us and take the first step to successive growth.

Get the Latest Updates

Subscribe to EQT Foundation's press releases and updates.