Sun Bear Biofuture today announced their climate friendly alternative to palm oil is safe to eat. This milestone is a major step forwards for Sun Bear Biofuture’s mission to reduce the climate impact of palm oil. Sun Bear Biofuture’s approach reduces land use and CO2 emissions by up to 90% and offers the opportunity to reduce food manufacturers’ scope 3 emissions and increase food security.

“We know there is high demand for a viable alternative to palm oil and cocoa butter. Hitting this milestone really opens up the opportunity we see in food and cosmetics. Most importantly, it brings us closer to having a positive impact on not just the consumer but the planet.” says Ben Wilding, CEO at Sun Bear Biofuture.

During sensory testing, independently carried out by the Centre for Nutrition and Health at Oxford Brookes University, Sun Bear Biofuture’s oil outperformed palm oil in both baked and fried goods. 95% of participants preferred cookies made with Sun Bear Biofuture’s oil and 75% of participants preferred chips fried with the Sun Bear Biofuture oil.

With the Regulations on Deforestation Free Products (EUDR) set to take effect on the 30th December 2024 the timing is apt for an environmentally friendly alternative to palm oil. Sun Bear Biofuture plans to scale up production and launch a demo plant by the end of 2025.

About Sun Bear Biofuture: Sun Bear Biofuture was founded in 2022 by Ben Wilding and Ben Williams. Based in Oxford the company is using yeast and precision fermentation to produce an alternative to palm oil. The oil is naturally derived from a process similar to the brewing process, through which the company aims to prevent further deforestation and biodiversity loss.

Sunbear Biofuture’s CEO and Cofounder Ben Wilding is pitching at the Showcase day of cohort 3 of our Venture Builder Programme.