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By Agroempresario.com
Unibio, a pioneering Danish biotech firm, continues to lead the way in the use of methane for microbial protein production. The company has developed the U-Loop® bioreactor, a vertical design that maximizes gas-liquid transfer for efficient, continuous biomass fermentation. With a strong track record of innovation and substantial funding—$120 million raised to date, including a $70 million investment from Saudi Industrial Development Group—Unibio is positioning itself as a key player in the emerging gas fermentation industry.
Unibio’s journey has not been without its challenges. CEO David Henstrom, who joined the company in the summer of 2021, recalls the turbulence of navigating the global landscape in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “We were raising funds and involved in discussions just as the war broke out, which had a significant impact on global investment climates,” Henstrom reflects. Despite these geopolitical hurdles, Unibio has successfully pivoted to focus on markets in the Middle East, securing investment from key players like Saudi Industrial Development Group.
“The Middle East, particularly countries like Saudi Arabia, offers significant opportunities,” Henstrom explains. “Saudi Arabia, for example, imports almost 100% of its animal feed ingredients. Gas fermentation plants can be set up in places where crops don’t grow—like deserts and cold regions—enabling us to meet protein demand efficiently.”
Unibio’s business model focuses primarily on licensing, which has allowed the company to scale its operations without assuming the full financial burden of plant construction. Henstrom notes that Unibio provides the cutting-edge technology, while its licensing partners take care of the infrastructure. The company’s first commercial-scale facility in Russia, run by its licensee Protelux, was disrupted by the war but still continues its operations under current sanctions.
Beyond traditional protein production, Unibio is also exploring “gas to x” opportunities, where their reactor technology can be applied to produce a wide range of chemicals and materials. The company’s reactor design is drawing interest from several sectors, signaling the versatility and scalability of its approach.
Unibio's protein, branded as Uniprotein, is already approved for use in animal feed and pet food across Europe, with additional regulatory approvals expected in Asia and the United States. On the aquaculture front, studies have shown that Uniprotein compares favorably to fishmeal, offering higher feed conversion rates and better digestibility, making it an appealing alternative for the rapidly growing global aquaculture industry.
While Unibio has faced challenges with its technology, Henstrom believes its operational know-how and patent portfolio give it a distinct edge over competitors in the gas fermentation field. Despite its early-stage competitors, Unibio’s ability to leverage its technology to scale up production and drive efficiencies makes it a leader in the field.
Henstrom emphasizes that gas fermentation offers several advantages over traditional sugar-based fermentation. Unlike sugar, methane is a non-edible, abundant carbon source that doesn’t require arable land for cultivation. Gas fermentation is not only more sustainable but also more cost-effective. “If you look at the cost of carbon per ton of protein, methane is three times cheaper than glucose or dextrose,” Henstrom points out. Moreover, methane fermentation is less prone to contamination, which allows for longer fermentation runs and continuous operations—key advantages in large-scale protein production.
The efficiency of Unibio’s U-Loop® bioreactor design is at the heart of its technological edge. Henstrom explains that the vertical design allows for optimal gas-liquid transfer, ensuring that gas bubbles stay in solution, rather than accumulating at the top as they would in a horizontal system. This results in higher productivity and efficiency. “We’re on track to achieve 8 kg/m³/hr productivity,” Henstrom shares.
At its demonstration facility in Denmark, Unibio uses 100% biogas as a methane source, taking advantage of Denmark’s highly developed biogas infrastructure. In other regions, the company plans to source methane from natural gas, which remains a cost-effective and abundant option. The company is also exploring other innovative ways to produce methane, such as through the methanation of hydrogen, a process involving electrolysis of water.
Looking ahead, Unibio is poised to expand its global footprint, with plans for more facilities in regions where gas is abundant and demand for sustainable protein is rising. As the company scales, it aims to meet the growing need for alternative protein sources in both animal feed and human food markets.
In 2023, Unibio raised a record $70 million from the Saudi Industrial Development Group, despite the global capital slowdown caused by economic and geopolitical uncertainties. Henstrom notes that sovereign wealth funds and large family offices are particularly interested in the technology, recognizing its potential for long-term growth in the alternative protein sector.
“We are fortunate to have secured significant investment, and this is just the beginning,” Henstrom states. With the growing global demand for sustainable protein sources and a commitment to driving innovation, Unibio is well-positioned to lead the charge in revolutionizing the way we produce protein—helping to feed the world while minimizing the environmental footprint.
As Unibio looks to the future, the company’s focus is on scaling its technology to meet global protein demand. The potential applications of its gas fermentation technology extend beyond food and feed, opening up opportunities in chemicals and materials production. With its U-Loop® bioreactor design, Unibio is set to remain at the forefront of the gas fermentation industry, offering a more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective solution to the world’s growing protein needs.
In conclusion, Unibio’s innovative approach to gas fermentation positions it as a key player in the future of protein production. With strategic partnerships in the Middle East, a strong regulatory framework in place, and a proven business model, the company is well on its way to transforming the global food and feed industries.
This article offers a comprehensive look at Unibio's innovative approach to sustainable protein production through gas fermentation. As the company continues to grow, its technology could revolutionize how we produce protein, meeting the world’s needs while minimizing the impact on the environment.
