In a significant stride towards sustainable food production, a California-based startup, Savor, backed by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, has unveiled a groundbreaking method to produce butter without relying on animals. This innovative approach involves converting carbon dioxide from the air into a dairy-like fat using a sophisticated thermochemical process.
Savor’s breakthrough technology aims to revolutionize the way butter is produced by eliminating the need for animal farming, thereby addressing key environmental concerns such as greenhouse gas emissions and land use. The process also minimizes water consumption compared to traditional agricultural practices.
“We start with a source of carbon, like carbon dioxide, and use a little bit of heat and hydrogen to form chains which are then blended with oxygen from air to make the fats & oils we know, love and drool over,” explained Savor on its website.
Bill Gates, who has personally invested in Savor, emphasized the potential of this innovation in combating climate change and reducing the carbon footprint associated with food production. In a blog post, Gates highlighted the environmental benefits of Savor’s technology, noting its promise in achieving sustainability goals.
“I’ve tasted Savor’s products, and I couldn’t believe I wasn’t eating real butter,” Gates wrote, expressing his enthusiasm for the startup’s breakthrough.
Apart from environmental advantages, Savor’s butter alternative offers health benefits as it is produced without the use of hormones, antibiotics, or fertilizers commonly associated with traditional dairy farming.
While Savor’s products are not yet commercially available pending regulatory approvals, the startup plans to launch its innovative butter by 2025. CEO Kathleen Alexander shared, “We are not expecting to be able to move forward with any kind of sales until at least 2025,” as reported by The Guardian.
With growing global concerns about sustainability and the impact of food production on the environment, innovations like Savor’s carbon-to-butter technology represent a promising step towards a more sustainable and ethical food industry.
As the world continues to seek solutions to mitigate climate change, Savor’s initiative underscores the potential of technology to reshape food production practices for a greener future.