After several years of research, Mibelle and LanzaTech have successfully combined two successive fermentation processes to convert CO2 into a palm oil-free fat blend. The composition of this mixture, which closely resembles palm oil, suggests the possibility of using it in a wide range of future applications, particularly in the cosmetics industry.
A versatile, high-quality fat
The two-step process first involves converting captured CO2 into alcohol. This gas fermentation process, developed and mastered by LanzaTech, has already been used to launch perfumes made from recycled alcohol.
In the second step of the fermentation process, developed primarily by Fraunhofer IGB, the alcohol is transformed into fats by specialised oil yeasts.
Importantly, both fermentation stages rely exclusively on naturally occurring, non-genetically modified microorganisms. The result is a versatile, high-quality natural fat that is 100% palm oil-free, and enriched with outstanding skin care properties, an important feature for cosmetic products.
From prototype to market readiness
Following successful tests in the Mibelle Group’s laboratories, the three companies are now focusing their efforts in scaling up production of the palm oil-like fat blend.
"Following successful research in the laboratory, we have now been able to start developing the pilot process," says Susanne Heldmaier, Head of Research & Technical Innovation at the Mibelle Group. "This is an important next step, at the end of which we will have the first quantities of a high-quality fat. This will enable us to develop cosmetic products that not only protect our skin but also contribute to protecting the environment. In the future, with the support of our raw material suppliers, we hope to be able to convert more and more palm oil-based raw materials to this sustainable solution."
At the same time, Mibelle is already testing how the fat behaves in cosmetic formulations. The company aims to launch the first products soon.
While life cycle assessments already conducted show the advantages of LanzaTech’s fermentation process, Mibelle intends to conduct an ecological assessment after scaling up the process.
Five years ago, the Mibelle Group already launched a house care product from recycled CO2. In the future, the fermentation process developed by LanzaTech could also be used to develop packaging or perfume ingredients.
LanzaTech already produces ethanol from recycled CO2 for Coty, which is used in certain perfumes. The company has also created a plastic bottle made from recycled carbon in collaboration with L’Oréal. This new application demonstrates the versatility of this technology, regardless of its cost price.
