Transforming Carbon Emissions into Sustainable Protein: LanzaTech's Innovative Approach

LanzaTech, a pioneering company in the field of carbon capture and utilization, is expanding its reach beyond the production of ethanol. The Illinois-based firm is now venturing into the food and feed industry with the introduction of LanzaTech Nutritional Protein (LNP), a novel protein source derived from the company's proprietary microbial fermentation process. This innovative approach aims to revolutionize the way we produce protein, decoupling it from traditional agricultural methods and paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Unlocking the Potential of Waste Carbon: LanzaTech's Transformative Technology

Harnessing Waste Gases for Protein Production

LanzaTech's core technology revolves around the conversion of carbon emissions from industrial processes into ethanol through a continuous microbial fermentation process. However, the company has now taken this technology a step further by developing a new bacterial strain dedicated to the production of LNP. This innovative approach allows LanzaTech to leverage the same bioreactor technology and operational expertise to produce a high-quality, nutrient-rich protein source.

Decoupling Food Production from Agriculture

Unlike traditional protein sources that rely on agricultural inputs, LanzaTech's LNP is produced using waste carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) as feedstock. This unique approach effectively decouples food production from the constraints of traditional agriculture, opening up new possibilities for sustainable protein supply. By tapping into industrial waste streams, LanzaTech aims to provide a reliable and scalable source of protein that is not subject to the same market fluctuations and environmental pressures as conventional agricultural systems.

Leveraging Existing Infrastructure for Efficient Production

A key advantage of LanzaTech's technology is its ability to integrate seamlessly with existing industrial facilities. The company's plants are strategically located near the sources of carbon emissions, allowing them to tap into the existing infrastructure and utilities. This integration not only streamlines the production process but also minimizes the need for extensive transportation of raw materials, further enhancing the sustainability of the LNP supply chain.

Addressing the Protein Demand Challenge

The global demand for protein, driven by population growth and changing dietary preferences, presents a significant challenge for the food and feed industries. LanzaTech's LNP offers a promising solution to this challenge by providing a scalable and sustainable source of high-quality protein. With its complete amino acid profile and functional properties similar to whey and pea protein, LNP has the potential to be widely adopted in a variety of food and feed applications, from human nutrition to animal feed and pet food.

Rigorous Testing and Regulatory Compliance

To ensure the safety and quality of LNP, LanzaTech has undertaken extensive testing and regulatory compliance measures. The company has partnered with leading brands, food testing organizations, and research institutions to conduct rigorous analysis and prototyping of LNP's nutritional applications. Additionally, LanzaTech is actively navigating the GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) regulatory process, a crucial step in securing approval for the use of LNP in human food products.

Scaling Up for Commercial Production

LanzaTech's roadmap to commercial-scale production of LNP is well underway. The company has already operated a pilot facility for two years, preparing for the next phase of commercialization. LanzaTech is currently in the engineering design phase for a 0.5 to 1.5 metric ton per day facility, expected to be operational by 2026. The company's long-term goal is to achieve commercial-scale production of over 30,000 metric tons per year by 2028, positioning LNP as a significant player in the global protein market.

Collaborating for Diverse Applications

LanzaTech's LNP is being evaluated for a wide range of applications, from animal feed to human nutrition. The company has partnered with the Center for Aquaculture Technologies to test LNP in fish feed, while food and beverage innovation firm Mattson has completed protein characterization and prototyping for various food products, including smoothies, dairy-free cheese, and bread. Additionally, LanzaTech has teamed up with the US Naval Research Lab to explore the potential of using LNP in military platforms, leveraging CO2 extracted from seawater as a feedstock.

Pioneering a Sustainable Future

LanzaTech's LNP represents a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable protein production. By harnessing waste carbon emissions and decoupling food production from traditional agricultural methods, the company is paving the way for a more environmentally responsible and resilient protein supply. As the world grapples with the challenges of feeding a growing population while mitigating the environmental impact of food systems, LanzaTech's innovative approach offers a promising solution that could redefine the future of protein production.