ÄIO achieves major milestone with 10,000-liter production of sustainable fats and oils

In a key advancement for sustainable biotechnology, Estonian startup ÄIO has successfully scaled its production of eco-friendly fats and oils to a 10,000-liter batch. This significant achievement underscores the company's commitment to revolutionizing the fats and oils industry by providing sustainable alternatives to traditional palm and coconut oils.

Founded in 2022 as a spin-off from Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), ÄIO specializes in producing fats and oils through microbial fermentation. The company's proprietary process utilizes specialized yeast strains capable of converting lignocellulosic biomass—such as sawdust and agricultural residues—into high-value lipids. This method not only offers a sustainable solution but also addresses the environmental concerns associated with conventional oil production.

The recent production of a 10,000-liter batch marks a pivotal transition from laboratory-scale experiments to industrial-scale manufacturing. This leap demonstrates the scalability and commercial viability of ÄIO's innovative technology.

A key factor in ÄIO's successful scale-up has been its collaboration with ScaleUp Bio, a Singapore-based contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in microbial fermentation. Established in 2022, ScaleUp Bio offers end-to-end services, including process optimization and scale-up support, to food tech companies worldwide. Their expertise has been instrumental in refining ÄIO's production processes.

Through this partnership, ÄIO achieved a 48% improvement in fermentation titer yield and a 60% enhancement in downstream recovery. These optimizations have significantly increased production efficiency, enabling the company to meet the growing demand for sustainable fats and oils.

Nemailla Bonturi, Co-founder & CEO of ÄIO, emphasized the broader implications of this milestone. "Scaling up is more than increasing production—it's about validating that our technology can make a real difference."

Bonturi's statement reflects the company's mission to provide viable, sustainable alternatives to environmentally taxing traditional oils.

With the successful production of the 10,000-liter batch, ÄIO is poised to advance its products toward market entry. The high-quality material produced will be utilized to prepare a novel food permit dossier for submission to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). This regulatory step is crucial for bringing ÄIO's innovative products to consumers across Europe.

In anticipation of regulatory approval, ÄIO is already initiating subsequent production batches to ensure a steady supply of sustainable fats and oils for its partners and future customers.

ÄIO's innovative approach addresses critical environmental issues associated with traditional oil production, such as deforestation and biodiversity loss. By utilizing industrial byproducts and side streams, the company not only reduces waste but also offers a more sustainable and efficient method of producing essential fats and oils.

The company's products have wide-ranging applications across various industries, including food, cosmetics, and household products. For instance, their RedOil serves as a substitute for vegetable, seed, and fish oils, while Buttery Fat offers an alternative to animal fats and shortenings. These versatile applications position ÄIO as a key player in promoting sustainability across multiple sectors.