Royal Cosun invests in fermentation pioneer Planetary to scale sustainable protein production

Royal Cosun has made a significant investment in Planetary, a biotech scale-up specializing in precision fermentation, with the aim of scaling up its production of mycoprotein and other high-value fermented ingredients. Cosun's CHF3 million investment will enable Planetary to expand its industrial capabilities, utilizing its innovative BioBlocks technology to convert low-value feedstocks into sustainable, protein-rich ingredients.

“Planetary’s expertise in biotechnology will accelerate our ambition to become a significant player in fermentation enabled ingredients," commented Thijs Bosch, Managing Director, Cosun Protein. "This investment and partnership underlines our commitment to the goals we set for ourselves in our 'Unlock' strategy”

“We are excited to welcome Royal Cosun as a partner to Planetary as we roll out the licensing of our BioBlocks platform fermentation technology across the agricultural industry," added David Brandes, CEO of Planetary. "Through its symbiotic engineering playbook, planetary will enable the conversion of Cosun’s feedstock into higher value mycoprotein ingredients.”

Cosun’s investment in Planetary reflects the company's long-standing commitment to sustainability. Cosun, known for its innovation in plant-based ingredients, sees fermentation as a key technology to reduce the environmental impact of food production. Fermentation uses fewer resources and produces less waste than traditional methods like livestock farming, offering a greener solution to meet the rising demand for protein. Cosun aims to leverage Planetary’s fermentation technology to diversify its portfolio with new, sustainable food ingredients.

The global food industry is increasingly focused on sustainability, and fermentation technology is playing a crucial role. Ingredients produced through fermentation are not only environmentally friendly but also nutritionally rich. Mycoprotein, which is produced through fermentation, is high in protein and fiber, making it an excellent alternative to animal-based proteins. As consumer interest in plant-based diets continues to rise, ingredients like mycoprotein are gaining popularity due to their health benefits and smaller carbon footprint.

Planetary’s BioBlocks technology is an important innovation in this space. By utilizing agricultural by-products and waste streams, Planetary is able to create high-value ingredients with a minimal environmental impact. This approach aligns with both Planetary’s and Cosun’s commitment to creating more sustainable food systems.

A key aspect of this partnership is the establishment of Planetary’s first industrial-scale mycoprotein production facility, which will be located in Switzerland. This facility will serve as a model for future fermentation sites, helping to accelerate the adoption of fermentation technology worldwide. By scaling up their production capabilities, Planetary will be able to meet the growing demand for sustainable proteins and ingredients, especially in the European market.

Cosun’s investment supports not only the growth of Planetary but also the wider goal of making sustainable food systems a reality. With the new facility, Planetary can demonstrate the potential of fermentation at an industrial level, providing a blueprint for how this technology can be scaled globally.