By Grace Samuel
Co-founder of Microsoft and philanthropist, Bill Gates, says he has recently invested in two companies working on creating lab-made animal fat and a substitute for palm oil.
Reports say animal fats valued for their taste and texture in popular dishes, are under scrutiny for their contribution to climate change.
According to the UN’s FAO, the production of fats and oils from animals accounts for approximately 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
In a recent post on his website, Gates expressed worry about the environmental consequences of using animal fats in making cheeseburgers, which are his preferred dishes.
He said lab-made animal palm oil have positive impacts on both humans and the environment.
Gates in the post further discussed an alternative to palm oil that is more environmentally friendly, which is being developed by a company he has invested in.
“Cheeseburgers are what I enjoy the most. However, I wish they didn’t have such a negative impact on the environment. I have experimented with various meat and dairy substitutes available.
“Palm oil is a common ingredient in many consumer products, ranging from food items to personal care products and household items.
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“The challenge with palm oil lies in its sourcing, as the oil palm tree is not native to all regions where it is in demand,” he stated.
Gates noted that current plant-based options do not have the same greasy, oily texture of animal fats that are essential in creating the classic, delicious taste of a burger.
According to him, animal fat is the secret ingredient that gives many foods their richness, juiciness, and overall flavor, but also acknowledged that it is harmful to the environment.
The lab-grown alternative, he further noted, can produce the same fatty molecules as animal products without emitting greenhouse gases, causing animal harm, or using harmful chemicals.
He also pointed out that Savor, the company in which he invested has unique process that involves creating carbon and hydrogen chains similar to those in animal fats, without the need for animals or plants.
“By utilizing carbon dioxide from the air and hydrogen from water, heating them, and oxidizing them, they are able to produce fatty acids and form fat molecules. This results in a product that tastes like real animal fat but is produced without emitting greenhouse gases, using farmland, or wasting water.
“I tried Savor’s products and was amazed that I couldn’t tell it wasn’t real butter. The burger was also very close to the real thing,” he noted.
The billionaire also wrote that Savor has a good chance of success because their fat-production process is already successful in other industries.
It was gathered that the company has already released a consumer product in 2023, and Gates, its main investor is confident in its success.
“While the concept of lab-made fats and oils may seem unusual, their potential to reduce our carbon footprint is substantial. By utilizing established technologies and processes, we move closer to achieving our climate goals,” he added.
