C16 Biosciences, which produces next-generation oils and fats using biomanufacturing, has completed an important commercialisation stage-gate: its first industrial-scale, 50,000-litre fermentation. To mark the passing of this significant operational milestone, C16 Biosciences announced the launch of a new consumer-facing brand platform for its palm oil alternatives, Palmless™.
Palmless™ is an innovative solution to the problem of agricultural palm oil, which is tied to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and abusive labor practices. Despite the attention of many stakeholders, issues linked to the production of palm oil have been ongoing since C16 Biosciences started its search for a sustainable alternative in 2018. Palm oil is found in nearly 50% of products on supermarket shelves – from ice cream to baby formula, and from shampoo to lipstick – and demand for the ingredient continues to grow. To meet this demand, US imports of palm oil have increased by nearly 30% since 2014.
“The launch of Palmless™ is a big step forward in making a palm oil alternative a reality. Consumer brands have been seeking a palm alternative for years, but have lacked a real solution – until now,” said Shara Ticku, co-founder and CEO of C16 Biosciences. “Brands using Palmless™ in their products demonstrate they are making every effort to reduce their impact on climate change, and that consumers are demanding it.”
This new ingredient will be relevant across a wide range of consumer packaged goods (CPG) applications, including beauty, personal care, home care, and food. The first products containing a Palmless™ ingredient will be launched in the beauty sector in early 2023.