Reasons to Hope: Palm Oil Alternatives Made Without Deforestation

The race is on to find a real solution to stop palm oil ecocide. For several years now, several new #biotech companies have been busy generating alternatives to palm oil that are healthier for human consumption and don’t require the destruction of rainforests sending thousands of species to extinction. Learn more about palm oil grown in labs synthesised from algae, microbes, CO2 and more. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

Lab-grown alternatives to palm oil provide animal advocates and environmental activists with reasons to be cautiously hopeful for the future of mass-produced supermarket goods like cleaning products, pet food, beauty products, and food – 50% of which contain palm oil.

What can I do?

Until these palm oil free alternatives come onto the market and are used in consumer products, you can help these animals by rejecting the immense corruption, pollution and ecocide of the palm oil industry by boycotting major supermarket brands using palm oil and still benefiting from the greenwashing of “sustainable” palm oil. Here are tips on how to do that.

---

Smey

What is it?

Smey is developing a lab-created alternative to palm oil and cocoa butter using a combination of yeast fermentation and artificial intelligence. The company’s precision fermentation process creates cultured fats and specialty oils that replicate the functional and sensory qualities of tropical oils, but without the environmental destruction linked to conventional palm oil and cocoa production. Smey’s fats are designed for use in food manufacturing, confectionery, and cosmetics, offering a deforestation-free, climate-friendly solution for global supply chains, in time for the #EUDR.

“Using AI models, we identify strains that naturally produce specific fatty acid profiles like stearic acid for cocoa butter mimetics. Once a suitable strain is selected, we proceed to fermentation under optimised lab conditions. The goal here is to fine-tune the triglyceride composition, a critical factor that determines the oil’s melting profile, skin feel, and absorption rate.”

Smey Founder Viktor Sartakov-Korzhov explains to Green Queen.

Who is behind it?

Smey is a German-French biotech startup headquartered in Paris. The company was founded by a team of scientists and technologists who specialise in merging data science with biotechnology. Smey’s leadership includes experts in precision fermentation, AI, and sustainable ingredient development. The company employs 11–50 people and serves clients in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Smey’s product portfolio includes not only palm oil alternatives but also cocoa butter equivalents, MCT oils, and other specialty fats.

Goal/Objective:

Smey’s mission is to decarbonise the global fats and oils industry by replacing environmentally destructive tropical oils with lab-grown, precision-fermented alternatives. By leveraging AI to optimise yeast fermentation, Smey aims to drastically reduce the land use, emissions, and biodiversity loss associated with palm oil and cocoa production.

When will it be used in supermarket goods?

Smey’s cultured fats are currently being piloted with food manufacturers and ingredient suppliers in Europe. The estimated retail launch date is mid 2027. The company is actively scaling its production and working with partners.

Further Information

Green Queen. (2025, June 26). This Company is Using AI & Fermentation to Create Deforestation-Free Fats. https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/smey-yeast-fermentation-ai-fat-palm-oil-cocoa-butter-neobank/

SMEY. (2025). Engineered protein, sweetener, fats & oils supplier. Retrieved July 13, 2025, from https://www.smey.cc/company

“Smey’s primary focus is on cultivated oils, as these products are ready for industrial scaling and already showing strong commercial traction. Ovalbumin is a key functional protein in food formulations. Given the regulatory pathway, especially for food proteins, we expect Smey Ovo to reach the market in mid-2027.”

Smey Founder Viktor Sartakov-Korzhov explains to Green Queen.

---

Levur

What is it?

Levur is creating a biotechnology-driven alternative to palm oil using yeast fermentation. The product aims to replicate the texture and functionality of palm oil commonly found in food and cosmetic products like processed snacks and soaps. Unlike traditional palm oil, this lab-grown version is designed to avoid the massive deforestation and biodiversity loss linked to oil palm plantations.

Who is behind it?

Levur is an Australian biotech startup co-founded by scientists Tom Collier and Joanne Barber, based in Sydney, Australia. Levur is backed by Main Sequence, a major venture fund investing in science-based startups, and took part in SparkLabs Cultiv8, an accelerator program for agri-food and biotech innovation. Their project was recently recognised as one of five Australian finalists selected from over 100 entries in the KPMG Nature Positive Challenge, securing a $100,000 consulting prize.

Goal/Objective:

Their mission is to radically reduce environmental harm of palm oil industry, which is responsible for massive rainforest destruction, endangering thousands of species all over the tropical world. They hope to help giant global industries towards a just transition to ingredients that preserve biodiversity, human health and planetary health.

Levur was inspired by Collier’s visit to Borneo for a documentary looking at how the palm oil industry caused deforestation and and the survival of threatened species such as orangutans.

When will it be used in supermarket goods?

No specific retail launch date has been announced, however Levur’s win in the Nature Positive Challenge in 2025 is expected to fast-track development of a viable alternative to palm oil.

“Winning feels like a pivotal moment for Levur. It’s a validation of the mission our team has worked so hard to make a reality and a powerful reminder of why we started this journey: to protect our planet and create solutions that leave a lasting impact. Thanks to this prize, we’ll be able to scale faster and reach more markets, helping to commercialise our sustainable alternative to palm oil.”

Tom Collier, Co-Founder of levur

Further Information

Startup Daily. (2025, January 23). Palm oil replacement startup Levur brews up $100,000 Nature Positive Prize. https://www.startupdaily.net/topic/palm-oil-replacement-startup-levur-brews-up-100000-nature-positive-prize/

---

Locus Ingredients

What is it?

Locus Ingredients is producing a new class of biobased biosurfactants for use in personal care, cosmetics, and home cleaning products. These biosurfactants offer a safe and environmentally-friendly alternative to palm oil that comes from destroyed rainforests.

The company generates surfactants made via a fermentation process that use non-GMO sugars, fatty acids, and microorganisms such as yeasts or fungi. Unlike bio-based surfactants made through high-energy chemical synthesis, Locus’s approach is low-impact and non-toxic. Their production system is powered by modular fermentation, bioinformatics, and specialised purification. This allows for rapid, cost-effective, and large-scale manufacturing. Locus Ingredients’ surfactants are suitable for use in products like shampoos, micellar water, creams, and conditioners.

Who is behind it?

The technology is developed by Locus FS, a US-based fermentation specialist, with commercialisation managed through their Locus Ingredients division. David Anderson, Senior Vice President of Locus Ingredients, leads the innovation strategy. The company has secured an exclusive distribution agreement with Dow Chemical for personal care and home care applications, expanding global market access for the product.

Goal/Objective:

Locus aims to disrupt the palm oil-derived surfactant market, which contributes to tropical deforestation and pollution. Their biosurfactants offer superior performance, skin gentleness, and a lower carbon footprint, making them ideal for eco-conscious brands. The broader mission is to eliminate reliance on destructive agricultural oils and transition the cosmetics industry toward regenerative, biotechnologically-produced alternatives.

When will it be used in supermarket goods?

The ingredients are already available for use in commercial formulations and are being adopted through Dow’s global distribution networks. With a recent 100,000-square-foot facility expansion, Locus is now positioned as one of the world’s largest producers of biosurfactants and can meet current market demand for palm-free ingredients at scale.

“We are also always enhancing our production process to further minimise our already low carbon footprint. Through our technology and formulary library we aim to educate manufacturers and consumers on the best ways to create clean product formulations. We are also continuing to expand our line of biosurfactants, with new glycolipid ingredient offerings.”

David anderson, senior vp of locus ingredients

Further Information

Stern, C., & Pitman, S. (2023, October 5). Locus Ingredients targets sustainable palm oil alternatives. CosmeticsDesign.

---

Clean Food Group

What is it?

UK based start-up producing a local, circular alternative to palm oil, made from natural yeast using a non-GM process in a lab.

Who is behind it?

The Clean Food Group was co-founded by CEO Alex Neves and co-chairman Ed McDermott in 2021. However, the foundational technology was developed over eight years at the University of Bath by Professor of Bioengineering the University of Bath, Chris Chuck. They have so far gained £1.65M in funding.

Goal/Objective:

To make clean, healthier palm oil derivatives that can be used within food or cosmetic formulations. These provide a clear alternative to palm oil grown in the traditional way which causes irrevocable damage to our planet and health.

When will it be used in supermarket goods?

A definitve date for release has not been advised. However, Clean Food Group’s most recent update occurred in late 2024 when Clean Food Group announced a collaboration with THG Labs to produce a palm oil alternative made from waste bread. This will be used in beauty and personal care products. Read original article on Green Queen.

“We are well placed to take the next step on the path of bringing our palm oil alternative to market.

Alex Neves, Co-Founder and CEO of Clean Food Group, EU startups

“Our dependence on palm oil comes at a great environmental cost. We’ve worked over many years to create robust palm oil alternatives that give us a real chance to cut the impact of a range of products. Up until now it has only been possible to produce these products with palm oil and the deforestation, emissions and pollution that comes with that”

Chris Chuck, Clean Food Group Technical Advisor and Professor of Bioprocess Engineering at the University of Bath.

Further Information

Clean Food Group. (n.d.). Home.

The Business Exchange Bath and Somerset. (2024, April 18). University of Bath innovation helps deliver sustainable palm oil alternative.

Green Queen. (2024, April 18). THG and Clean Food Group launch palm oil alternative made from food waste.

---

NoPalm

What is it?

NoPalm produces microbial oils to replace the use of palm- and other tropical oils in food, cosmetics, and detergents. The oil is manufactured by fermenting food waste in a circular, environmentally friendly way.

Who is behind it?

A start-up in the Netherlands founded by Lars Langhout and Jeroen Hugenholtz in 2021.

Goal/Objective:

That no forests anywhere in the world continue to be burned down for palm oil plantations.

How is it made?

Oil is produced from rejected vegetables, potato peels or sugar beets that are fermented with oleaginous yeasts. Whereas normally these waste products would be destroyed or thrown away, NoPalm gives waste biomass a second life. The process is similar to brewing beer or winemaking except for the type of yeast used.

When will it be used in supermarket goods?

In 2022, the team have received initial funding of 1.5 million euro and are looking for more. They anticipate the ingredient will be available in consumer goods within the next few years.

In April 2025, the NoPalm team made an announcement that they are launching REVÓLEO™—a fermentation-based oil replacing #palmoil in the food and beauty markets. The team explained that REVÓLEO™ means 90% fewer emissions, 99% less land use. Read more at Vegconomist.

Further Information

Innovation Origins. (2022, August 17). NoPalm Ingredients brews a sustainable alternative to palm oil from vegetables.

Vegconomist. (2025, April 8). NoPalm Ingredients introduces next-gen fermentation-based oil brand REVÓLEO.

---

GreenOn

What is it?

GreenOn is a biotech company producing oils and derivatives that can be used to replace palm oil, coconut oil and animal fats, powered by carbon dioxide, electricity and water.

Who is behind it?

GreenOn is a Swedish biotech start-up founded in 2021 by Annette Cecilia Granéli and Roland Vestergren. Initial funding for the technology comes from palm oil polluter and deforestator (and RSPO member) AAK for their go-to-market commercialisation, they have invested $125K so far.

Goal/Objective:

“We hope our product technology can relieve the challenges of agricultural production on the environment.”

GREEN ON’S WEBSITE

How is it made?

Their novel ‘Power-to-Food’ concept uses fossil-free electricity, carbon dioxide and water to produce customised saturated fats that can be used in products such as baked foods, cheese, ice cream, chocolate and shortening. Green-On also makes mono and diglycerides that may be used as emulsifiers in food products.

When will it be used in supermarket goods?

Products are still being developed, however it’s estimated that product ingredients to replace palm oil will be ready at the earliest by 2024.

“We came up with a concept to produce food that bypasses traditional agriculture. We started Green-On to bring deforestation-free ingredients to the food and feed industry.”  

GreenOn’s website

Further Information

GreenOn

---

C16 Biosciences

What is it?

“Our palm oil doesn’t even involve palm trees. It doesn’t cause deforestation, endangering precious animal species, or forcing inhumane labor practices. The result is a world where consumers can enjoy the products they love without worrying about the dangerous practices involved in making them.”

C16 Biosciences website.

Who is behind it?

C16 Biosciences are a New York City based start-up that are female-founded, and have a majority female team. Established in 2017, they have received $20 million in funding from Breakthrough Energy Ventures, a fund established by Bill Gates along with other investors to support innovations that fight climate change.

Goal/Objective:

“The RSPO has been trying for the last decade to solve this problem of palm oil deforestation through supply chain traceability, and it has largely failed.

“Our real mission is ending the need for deforestation that’s driven by the palm oil industry. We believe that it is totally unacceptable to be burning the planet to make a vegetable oil. It just doesn’t make any sense.”

Shara Ticku, Co-founder and CEO of C16 Biosciences told Fast Company.

How is it made?

C16 Biosciences use a particular strain of yeast for their lab-grown alternative to palm oil. This grows in tap water and feeds off a feedstock or carbon source to multiply.

When will it be used in supermarket goods?

In 2022, biotech company C16 Biosciences announced the launch of Palmless, a palm oil alternative created with yeast. In 2024, C16 Biosciences was named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2024 for launching Palmless, They plan on targeting beauty and skincare first, aiming to disrupt palm oil supply chains with their solution.

Bill Gates: The Worst Culprit is Palm Oil

Bill Gates quoted on his own website Gates Notes.

“Even some plant-based fats and oils can be a problem for climate change. The worst culprit is palm oil.

“Today, it’s the most widely consumed plant-based fat in the world. It’s found in half of all packaged goods—everything from peanut butter, cookies, instant ramen, coffee creamer, and frozen dinners to makeup, body wash, toothpaste, laundry detergent, and deodorant to candles, cat food, baby formula, and so much more. It’s even used as a biofuel for diesel engines.

“The issue with palm oil isn’t necessarily how we use it but how we get it. That’s because the oil palm tree, a variety of palm that’s native to Central and West Africa, doesn’t grow everywhere. The opposite, actually—the tree will only grow well within five to ten degrees of the equator. That has led to slash-and-burn deforestation of rainforests in equatorial regions around the world, which are then converted to oil palm plantations.

“This process has been bad for biodiversity, putting entire ecosystems at risk. It’s also a one-two punch for climate change: The combustion involved in burning forests emits tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, and as the wetlands they sit on are destroyed, the carbon they’ve been storing gets released too. In 2018, the devastation in Malaysia and Indonesia alone was bad enough to account for 1.4 percent of global emissions—more than the entire state of California and nearly as much as the aviation industry worldwide.

“Unfortunately, palm oil is hard to replace. It’s cheap, odorless, and abundant. While most plant oils are liquid at room temperature, palm oil is semi-solid, creamy, and easily spreadable. Since it acts as a natural preservative, it has an extremely long shelf-life. (It actually raises the melting point of ice cream.) It’s also the only plant oil with a near-equal balance of saturated and unsaturated fats, which is why it’s so versatile. If animal fat is the superstar of some meals, then palm oil is the team player that can work to make almost all foods—and non-edible goods—even better.

“For these reasons, companies like C16 Biosciences are working hard on alternatives to palm oil. Since 2017, C16 (which I’m invested in) has been developing a product from a wild yeast microbe using a fermentation process that doesn’t produce any emissions. While it differs from conventional palm oil chemically, C16’s oil contains the same fatty acids, which means it can be used in the same applications. And it’s as “natural” as palm oil—it’s just grown on fungi instead of trees. Like Savor’s, C16’s process is entirely agriculture-free; its “farm” is a lab in midtown Manhattan.” via Gatesnotes.

Further Information

C16 Biosciences

Clifford, C. (2022, November 3). Gates-backed C16 Biosciences uses yeast to create palm oil substitute. CNBC.

Fast Company. (2024, March 26). C16 Biosciences: Most Innovative Companies 2024.

Gates, B. (2024, March 5). The future of food: A smarter way to make fats and oils. Gates Notes.

---

Untitled: Making Palm Oil From Algae

What is it?

A far healthier edible oil alternative created from microalgae.

Who is behind it?

Scientists from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and the University of Malaya in Malaysia. 

Goal/Objective:

“Uncovering microalgae as a potential human food source is an opportunity to lessen the impact of palm oil in the food supply chain and the impact this has on our planet.”

~ Dr William Chen, head of the research team and Director of NTU’s Food Science and Technology Program.  

How is it made?

Edible oils are extracted from a common strain of microalgae that has similar properties to palm oil, however contains fewer saturated fatty acids. This means that the algae alternative will be healthier than traditionally harvested palm oil. Saturated fats from palm oil raise levels of LDL cholesterol in our blood, thereby increasing the risk of heart disease.

When will it be used in supermarket goods?

This microalgae alternative to palm oil can be cultivated at scale, removing the need for further deforestation to plant yet more oil palm crops. They are a couple of years away from market.

Find out more:

Jun-Hui Chen et al, Screening and effect evaluation of chemical inducers for enhancing astaxanthin and lipid production in mixotrophic Chromochloris zofingiensis, Journal of Applied Phycology (2021). DOI: 10.1007/s10811-021-02618-6

---

Genomatica

What is it?

A joint project between biotech company Genomatica and global FMCG brand Unilever to create a fatty alcohol alternative to palm oil made from fermented sugar. This would be used in skincare and beauty products.

Who is behind it?

This project is controversial for environmental activists and animal advocates to support. It is a collaboration funded by Unilever for $120 million. Unilever are a global corporate with a bad historical reputation as polluters and deforesters. They are linked to a dark history of colonial atrocities, ecocide and slavery in Africa. Still, despite Unilever’s involvement – this project deserves a mention due to its innovation. In October 2022, Kao announced that they will also be a founding partner in this biotech venture.

Goal/Objective:

The venture aims to commercialise and scale plant-based alternatives to feedstocks like palm oil and fossil fuels. Replacing environmentally harmful ingredients like palm oil with alternatives for use in cleaning, cosmetics and personal care products.  

 Beyond creating new transparent and responsibly sourced-supply chains and alternatively-sourced materials, our Geno technology also represents the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 100 million tons in upcoming years.” 

Christophe Schilling, Genomatica CEO

When will it be used in supermarket goods?

As of 2023, L’Oréal went into partnership with Genomatica to produce lab-developed alternatives to palm oil. L’Oréal launched a shampoo with biotech surfactants. According to one news article, these new formulas are not only more sustainable but also gentler on skin and scalp, adding value for consumers. Although it is important to keep in mind that L’Oréal tests its products on animals.

Find out more: Genomatica

Carbon Credits. (2024, May 10). L’Oréal launches sustainable innovation accelerator—Where beauty meets sustainability & carbon reduction. CarbonCredits.com.

---