Dive deeper on Kao joining Genomatica venture to scale palm oil alternatives

According to a press release, Kao is joining as a founding member of the project to scale up plant-based alternatives to palm kernel oil. The announcement adds to the previously announced $120 million investment from Unilever.

Implementation of the Genomatica-developed alternative could decrease the carbon footprint of palm-derived ingredients by up to 50%, according to the release.

“Kao’s investment in this venture will make possible the provision of new eco-chemical solutions and represents an opportunity for Kao to play an even bigger role in helping consumers, customers, industry and society to realize decarbonization and make the shift to a resource-circulating economy,”​ Masahiro Katayose, Kao Senior Executive Officer in charge of Chemical Business said in the release.

Katayose also said Genomatica is an important partner for Kao as a chemical manufacturer because of the role the biotech firm plays in creating more sustainable raw materials.

The release said the venture will help Genomatica achieve a 100 million ton reduction of greenhouse gases in upcoming years and Kao’s goals to become carbon neutral by 2040 and carbon negative by 2050.

Click through to read more about these companies and the venture.