AAK partners with Checkerspot to develop new sustainable algae oil

Checkerspot, a biotechnology company and Certified B Corporation that makes renewable oils through fermentation of microalgae for performance products and food ingredients, and AAK, a global ingredient house specialized in plant-based fats and oils, have announced a joint development agreement to develop, scale, and commercially produce an alternative source of structuring fats and oils.

Consumers and global brands continue to push for new plant-based options. The crux of the challenge is to develop new fats and oils that meet three criteria: they can be produced at scale, provide unique consumer experience, and are less vulnerable to climate change.

“Checkerspot’s growing portfolio of unique oils and their expertise in microalgae fermentation make them the ideal partner for us to collaborate with to meet the growing demand for alternatives that are both functional and sustainable," stated Kim Olofsson, Global Head of R&D at AAK. "Checkerspot is clearly a leader in this area and we’re excited to tap into their innovation platform to develop and commercialize new oils using microalgae. The collaboration fits perfectly with our goal of offering our partners value-added and sustainable solutions.”

“With forward-thinking partners like AAK, we can bring new solutions to the table," said Scott Franklin, Co-founder & CSO of Checkerspot. "Our team at Checkerspot is able to identify and bring a strain of microalgae all the way through product development and scale up, for a cost-effective, market-ready solution that meets demanding consumer expectations. Everything we do, including our strategic partnerships, is in service of our mission to positively impact people and the planet.”