Study: Enifer’s PEKILOPet mycoprotein more carbon efficient than soy protein

Finnish Biotech Company ENIFER published the results of its latest life cycle assessment (LCA), determining the carbon footprint (CFP) of its owner mycoprotein ingredient, Pekilopet.

With the global growth of PET population and studies suggesting that the ecological imprint of cats and dogs can compete with that of humans, depending on their size and diet, it is important to consider the environmental impact of the nutrition of PETs. The study reported that the total CFP of the cradle at the Gate of Pekilopet, covering the fossil, the biogenic, the use of land, the change of land use and the forestry emissions (Luluc), is 0.93 kgco₂e per kilogram of product.

On the other hand, the soy protein concentrate produced up to 6.7 kgco₂e per kilogram, said Enifer. This means that Pekilopet has 86% of lower carbon emissions, equivalent to driving 46 kilometers less in a medium petrol car. Enifer noted that Pekilopet has also performed better than insect protein powder (1.15 kg of CO₂E) and has produced five times less emissions than the ingredients of high quality dry pet food such as lamb (5.84 kg of co₂e).

Pekilopet mycoprotein is an ingredient rich in nutrients produced by a biomass fermentation process which uses a unique fungal strain, similar to the techniques used in the brewing or production of soy sauce. This process gives an ingredient of powdery mycoprotein rich in protein and beta-glucian fibers, low in fat and carbohydrates, and a very pleasant source of taste and digestible of full proteins.

<p>The main contributor (47%) to Pekilopet emissions is the production process, including electricity and the use of steam. Raw materials represent 38% of emissions, while transport contributes 14%. The CFP Fossil for Pekilopet alone is calculated at 0.80 kgco₂e / kg, with raw materials responsible for 45% and production processes for 38% of this total. The CFP Luluc for Pekilo is low because the production of inputs for the Pekilo production process does not require directly. The CFP Luluc for Pekilo is 0.00213 kgco2e / kg.

“We are incredibly satisfied with the results of this CFP study, which validates the environmental advantages of Pekilopet and our production process in Kantvik, Finland,” said the CEO of Enifer Simo Ellilä. “The results strengthen our mission to offer sustainable and protein -rich solutions to the pet food industry and that the construction of new Pekilopet production facilities across Europe will be an important development in our trip. Pekilopet has a unique opportunity to considerably reduce carbon emissions while maintaining nutritional excellence. »»

In 2024, ENIFER obtained funding for its first production installation of 33 million euros (US $ 34.3 million), scheduled for the end of 2025. The detailed engineering of the factory is being completed, and all major equipment has been ordered by keeping the project on time, noted the company. At full capacity, the factory will convert the by-products of the agricultural and food industry in 3,000 tonnes of dry and powder mycoprotein ingredients each year.

Adapted from a press release.