Carbon-Derived Fats Slash Emissions by Up to 98% in Independent LCA
A new independent life-cycle assessment confirms that Savor’s carbon-derived fats can cut emissions by 50-98% compared to conventional fats and oils, depending on the lipid being replaced and the carbon source used.
Savor, a US food tech startup, has had its carbon-derived fats independently verified to lower emissions by 50-98%. The company uses a thermochemical process to convert point-captured carbon, green hydrogen, and methane into climate-friendly short-, medium-, and long-chain triglycerides. These fats can replace conventional lipids in food and cosmetic applications, dramatically slashing their climate footprint.
## Emissions Reductions Across Different Lipids
The independent life-cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted by Boundless Impact Research & Analytics and conforms to multiple ISO standards. According to the LCA, Savor’s process can cut emissions by roughly half to nearly all, depending on the lipid being replaced and the carbon source used. Here are some examples of emissions reductions achieved by Savor’s carbon-derived fats:
| Lipid Being Replaced | Emissions Reduction | | --- | --- | | Cocoa Butter | 80-98% | | Milkfat | 80-96% | | Palm Oil | 57-85% |
## Land Use Change and Carbon Opportunity Costs
The LCA found that Savor’s fat roughly emits 2.1kg of CO2e when sourced from CO2, and 5.5kg when sourced from methane. However, this footprint is driven by energy consumption and the cleanliness of the energy used. When accounting for land use emissions, the climate gap becomes even wider. For instance, Savor’s carbon-sourced fat cuts emissions by 92% compared to cocoa butter when including direct land use change emissions.
## Savor Eyes Land Restoration Projects Amid Scale-Up
Savor’s first product, EcoButter, has been self-affirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) in the US and appears in baked treats and confections. The company noted that its full emissions reduction opportunity depends on land use and isn’t realised unless the transition prevents future deforestation or actively restores native ecosystems. Savor is actively developing its workstreams on land restoration, including partnerships, accounting, and funding mechanisms.
The LCA comes shortly after Savor raised $32M to scale up production from a few tonnes to a couple hundred per year. The company has secured $65M to date and plans to raise a Series B round to build a 10,000-tonne facility. With its carbon-derived fats poised to make a significant impact on the environment, Savor is leading the way in sustainable food production.
