03. September 2025
(CONNECT) The Mibelle Group, together with two partners, has developed a new type of CO2-based fat that can replace problematic palm oil in cosmetics production and other industrial sectors. According to a statement from Mibelle, the research took years, and production of the fat is now moving into a kilogram-scale. For the project, Mibelle teamed up with cleantech specialist LanzaTech, which is headquartered in Skokie in Illinois, and the German Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB in Stuttgart.
With its heat resistance and long shelf life, palm oil is used in industry for many products, including food, biofuels, and cosmetics. However, sustainable palm oil cultivation cannot meet high demand, according to the statement. The composition of the new fat’s mixture is very similar to palm oil and does not consume valuable resources, writes Mibelle.
The new mixture is produced through a two-stage process that converts the greenhouse gas CO2 into the palm oil-free fat blend. The first step involves a gas fermentation process developed by LanzaTech. Similar to beer brewing, this process produces alcohol. Secondly, oil yeast is used to convert this alcohol into the desired fats. The second fermentation process is largely based on work conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute.
“This innovation is the result of our long-standing partnership with LanzaTech and a milestone for the cosmetics industry. Combined with the innovative strength of Fraunhofer IGB, we are setting new standards for the entire industry,” Peter Müller, CEO of the Mibelle Group, is quoted as saying. He added that with this work, Mibelle is taking responsibility for the future of the planet while making supply chains more robust.
Mibelle, which is headquartered in Buchs in the Swiss canton of Aargau, was acquired by Spanish company Persán S.A. a few months ago and operates internationally as a private label manufacturer. ce/yvh
