Carbon recycling company LanzaTech Global has unveiled plans to expand its biorefining platform capabilities to include the production of commercial-scale nutritional protein directly from carbon dioxide (CO2).
The company today (1st Oct) confirmed its effort that includes opening several 0.5 to 1.5 tonnes per day facilties in 2026 and developing a roadmap for commercial-scale production in 2028.
Commercial facilities are being designed to produce more than 30,000 tonnes per annum, or greater than 80 tonnes per day, with the first of these facilities expected to be operational during 2028.
LNP is a microbial protein alternative to plant and animal-based proteins and its production facilities will help to address food security issues. LNP uses a fraction of the land and water resources that traditional protein sources require.
By using a new microbe in its proprietary gas fermentation process, LanzaTech’s biorefining platform can produce the cost-competitive protein solution.
Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of LanzaTech, said that LNP represents a natural expansion for the company, adding that it is on the path to processing mass protein from CO2.
“For two years, we’ve operated a pilot facility to prepare for commercialisation, and in the process, we’ve partnered with leading brands and food testing organisations for rigorous analysis and prototyping of nutrition applications,” she added.
LanzaJet is in the engineering and design phase of its first LNP production facility.
Additionally, the company is evaluating further potential sites in collaboration with several partners. It is thought that the minimal output of 0.5 tonnes per day is around the same as the typical complete daily intake of protein for around 9,000 people.
LanzaTech is in the process of completing trials and testing in animal feed and pet food and is underway with completing the US Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognised as Safe certification process for LNP’s use in human nutrition formulations.
The Center for Aquaculture Technologies has successfully tested LNP for fish feed applications, and human food and beverage innovation firm Mattson completed thorough protein characterisation and food prototyping for dish concepts such as smoothies, dairy-free cheese, and bread.
