Food from thin air? This scientist’s revolutionary protein could save the planet

When we dig into a meal, the question of how it got onto the plate rarely crosses our mind. But something as benign as breakfast or lunch has become a major contributor to climate change. As the global population increases, so does the need for food. Entire ecosystems are being cleared to grow crops and graze livestock, with commercial farms taking up almost half of the world's habitable land. So how do we produce food without destroying the environment? Scientist Pasi Vainikka is pulling the solution straight from thin air. 

Vainikka co-founded Solar Foods, a food-tech company in Finland that’s revolutionising how we grow and eat food. “The current system is not sustainable,” he says. “We need to start thinking differently.” Going back to the drawing board, Vainikka began to formulate a way to reduce dependence on the agricultural sector. The result was a high-protein ingredient called Solein. Following a similar bioprocess to that of beer or wine, Vainikka and his team were able to create a nutritious powder with nothing but carbon dioxide, air, and electricity. While it might not look like much, the fully-sustainable product contains 50% protein, essential amino acids, fat, carbohydrates, as well as vitamin B. 

Vainikka’s unconventional food is 100 times more eco-friendly than meat. It has also become a fierce competitor with plant-based alternatives, using only 10 litres of water for every kilogram, as opposed to 2 500 for soy. Its neutral flavour means that it can be disguised in any meal, making it a cheaper and more versatile option for daily use. “This protein is not only beneficial for our Earth, but for people,” Vainikka says. “With new technologies we can empower the individual to make good choices.” Pushing the boundaries of science, Vainikka is paving the way for a greener future. “We need to leave the planet as we got it,” he says.

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