Solar Foods, a trailblazer in alternative protein sources based in Finland, is making notable progress in securing regulatory approval for its innovative air-cultivated protein, Solein, in the European Union. The company has recently tackled a series of inquiries from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), primarily aimed at evaluating the safety of Solein.
Regulatory Journey and Safety Assessments
The journey began in 2021 when Solar Foods submitted a comprehensive application for novel food status, complete with a detailed dossier outlining the production processes, product characteristics, and extensive scientific research backing its safety and suitability. The ongoing evaluation process is thorough, ensuring that Solein meets all necessary safety standards, is labeled correctly, and provides nutritional benefits for its intended uses.
As Solar Foods navigates the EFSA application stages, they have addressed the agency’s questions by referencing data derived from Solein production in their groundbreaking facility, Factory 01—marked as the world’s first commercial plant dedicated to air-based protein production. With this information in hand, the company is optimistic about reaching a final scientific assessment and hopes to achieve EU Novel Food approval by 2026.
Achievements and Market Strategy
Solein is already on solid ground, having gained regulatory approval in Singapore in 2022 and obtaining self-affirmed Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status in the United States the previous year. Solar Foods aspires to position Solein as a gold standard for sustainable protein sources. In the U.S. market, their initial focus will target the rapidly growing Health & Performance Nutrition sector, which annually consumes approximately 500 kilotons of protein powder.
The production of Solein is an innovative process, utilizing CO₂, hydrogen, and nitrogen as core ingredients, coupled with renewable electricity to drive energy needs. This method enables the generation of protein without dependence on traditional agricultural systems.
Leadership and Future Plans
Recently, Rami Jokela has stepped in as the new CEO, taking over from founding CEO Pasi Vainikka. Jokela comes equipped with substantial experience in expanding international operations and is set to lead the company as it moves from research and development into global commercialization.
Looking ahead, Solar Foods has announced plans to go public on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market in Finland by August 2024, part of their broader strategy to fuel ambitious growth. Additionally, that same month, they revealed a collaboration with Japan’s Ajinomoto Group to launch two new products featuring Solein in Singapore.
The Chief Strategy Officer of Solar Foods identified the progress made in the European regulatory approval process as a crucial milestone. This advancement, driven by EFSA’s meticulous safety assessments, underscores the company’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety and quality as it approaches the final stages of regulatory approval for its cutting-edge protein product.
Source: Vegconomist