Finland's Solar Foods Inspires Global Shift In Sustainable Food Production

By Zufazlin Baharuddin

HELSINKI, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- Finland’s Solar Foods hopes its innovative approach in producing Solein, a protein “made out of thin air,” by way of gas fermentation, will inspire other nations to adopt more sustainable methods in food production.

Brand and marketing director Laura Sinisalo said the Finnish food technology company's approach demonstrates how innovation can support sustainability goals by offering a potential solution to global food insecurity while reducing land and water use.

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“I hope we can be an inspiration to others, as we are able to demonstrate sustainability in food production.

“There are increasing demands and regulations for companies and governments to take action so that we do not lose our biodiversity and nature. I hope Solar Foods can offer at least one kind of a solution to that,” she told a Bernama reporter attending the media programme “Climate Solutions from Finland” here.

The start-up has reportedly unlocked a new world of food diversity through its technology.

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Solein uses renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, and feeds the resulting hydrogen, carbon dioxide from the air, and minerals to hydrogen-oxidising bacteria in a bioreactor.

These microorganisms then produce the protein, fibre, and healthy fats that make up Solein.

The yellowish powder contains nutritious fibre and is rich in essential micronutrients such as iron and vitamin B12, with a strong amino acid profile. It can be used as an ingredient in food products ranging from dairy alternatives to protein bars.

During a visit to Solar Foods, reporters were served various dishes prepared with Solein by Finnish Chef Miikka Manninen. 

The menu included chanterelle mushroom soup, bread, pasta, cream cheese and ice-cream featuring Solein as a key ingredient.

Moving forward, Sinisalo said Solein is expected to enter the European Union market by next year, with the company anticipating Novel Food approval from the European Commission, after making its debut in Singapore in 2022 and the United States in 2024.

Solar Foods was founded in 2017.

-- BERNAMA