Biotechnology company Cemvita has increased the bioprocessing productivity of its glycerol-based FermOil for use as a low-carbon alternative feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Achieved six months earlier than projected, the development strengthened the scalability of the company’s commercial biomanufacturing FermWorks plant, Cemvita said on 22 May.
By removing the need for arable land or freshwater, FermOil addresses two of the most pressing constraints in sustainable fuel production, according to the company.
Cemvita’s process required 99.9% less land than traditional vegetable oil production, saving the equivalent of 24,500 acres (9,915ha) of soyabean planted area and reducing water consumption by 99% compared to seed oils, it said.
“Every carbon atom we feed into our process is converted into valuable green chemicals, whether it’s biofuels, soil bio-stimulant, fertiliser or as a building block for the manufacture of many different chemicals with numerous industrial applications. That’s what a real circular bioeconomy looks like,” said Cemvita chief technology officer Marcio Silva.
Using synthetic biology, Cemvita processes carbon waste into bio-based products, including sustainable oils, high-value biofertiliser and other foundational chemicals for industries ranging from aviation to personal care.
