A California-based startup, backed by Bill Gates, has developed a groundbreaking method to produce butter using air and water. The process involves extracting carbon dioxide from the air and hydrogen from water, heating them, and oxidizing them to separate fatty acids, which are then formulated into fat. This innovative approach results in a dairy-free butter with a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to traditional butter.
Imagine butter made without cows. A California-based startup, backed by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, has developed an innovative method to produce a dairy-free alternative that rivals traditional butter in taste.
Savor, the startup in question, has been pioneering dairy-free alternatives to ice cream, cheese, and milk using a thermochemical process. This technique builds fat molecules from carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and oxygen, enabling the creation of a new animal-free butter.
Bill Gates, in his personal blog “GatesNotes”, wrote,
The environmental benefits of reducing meat and dairy consumption are significant, as livestock production is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Savor’s butter alternative promises a much lower carbon footprint, potentially registering under 0.8g CO2 equivalent per calorie compared to the 2.4g CO2 equivalent per calorie of conventional unsalted butter with 80% fat.
Kathleen Alexander, CEO of Savor, explained that the company is in the pre-commercial phase and is working on regulatory approvals. She anticipates that sales won’t begin until at least 2025.
While meat and dairy alternatives are increasingly popular, they often fall short on flavor. Savor claims its butter offers a superior taste experience.
The challenge now is whether consumers will embrace these synthetic fats. Encouraging people to switch from traditional dairy and meat products to novel alternatives may be difficult.
Bill Gates, advocating for the initiative, wrote in his blog: “The idea of switching to lab-made fats and oils may seem strange at first. But their potential to significantly reduce our carbon footprint is immense. By harnessing proven technologies and processes, we get one step closer to achieving our climate goals.”
“According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, the livestock sector, including dairy and meat farming, contributes 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions.”