ÄIO in Bloomberg Spotlight: Building a Sustainable Future with Alternative Fats and Oils

At ÄIO, we are thrilled to share that our work has been featured in Bloomberg’s latest article (by Coco Liu), “Startups Are Turning These Unconventional Ingredients Into Butter and Oil.” The growing media attention on alternative fats is a testament to the urgency of creating sustainable solutions for industries traditionally reliant on environmentally intensive ingredients like palm oil and animal-based fats.

The article highlights a wave of innovation sweeping across the world, as startups turn to unconventional resources, from captured methane to single-cell fungi, to produce fats and oils that are better for the planet. ÄIO is proud to be among the leaders in this movement.

Our Unique Approach

Based in Tallinn, Estonia, ÄIO is using a pioneering fermentation process to create high-quality fats and oils from forestry side-streams such as sawdust. Instead of clearing forests, we tap into existing by-products to create sustainable alternatives that can replace conventional palm oil in everyday consumer products like soaps, cosmetics, and food items.

Our oils are designed as drop-in solutions, meaning manufacturers can easily integrate them into existing production processes without the need for costly reformulations. This flexibility is key to scaling sustainable alternatives quickly and effectively.

Why This Matters Now

Today, the urgency to find sustainable alternatives is greater than ever:

• Deforestation: Traditional palm oil production remains one of the major drivers of global deforestation. In 2024 alone, Indonesia lost over 77,000 acres of forest.
• Climate Impact: Deforestation and industrial agriculture significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Regulatory Changes: New legislation, such as the European Union’s deforestation-free product regulations, demands cleaner supply chains and more sustainable ingredients.
• Climate Resilience: As climate change disrupts agriculture, finding resilient, alternative sources for fats and oils becomes critical for food security and supply chain stability.

ÄIO’s Role in the Future of Fats

Alternative fats and oils represent a major opportunity to reshape global industries for the better. As Bloomberg notes, the market has already seen the rapid evolution of plant-based proteins, and alternative fats could be even more influential by enhancing the taste, texture, and sustainability of a wide range of products.

At ÄIO, we see ourselves not just as product innovators, but as part of a larger movement toward a circular economy and a healthier planet. Our mission is clear: to create sustainable, scalable, and high-performing fats and oils that meet the demands of a changing world.

We are grateful to Bloomberg for recognizing the importance of this work and for helping to amplify the conversation about the future of fats and oils.

Together, we can build a more sustainable future.