Why Is Enifer CEO Simo Ellila Reviving Old MycoProtein Again?

Finnish biotech startup Enifer will revive old MycoProtein named Pekilo. The single-cell fungus-based protein was first developed originally in the 1960s and 1970s. The CEO of the company mentioned that they will start production very soon.

Therefore, let’s discover why Enifer CEO Simo Ellila revives old MycoProtein. In addition, we will disclose some interesting facts about the product, its history, and the executives’ thoughts regarding this milestone step.

History of MycoProtein Pekilo

As mentioned earlier, the Pekilo ingredient was invented in the seventies. Interestingly, it was created by the local paper industry.

At the time, the people behind this ingredient were not focusing on an alternative protein for human consumption. The original Pekiko was intended as animal feed.

Enifer CEO Simo Ellila. Image Credit: X (Twitter).

Similarly, Pekilo presents a sustainable substitute for animal protein with its low carbon footprint and limited land requirements.

According to multiple sources, the paper industry’s engineers used Pekilo to control the pollution caused by mills. They discovered that leaving the stuff on the lab bench for a weekend would lead to fungus growth.

Engineers used biorefining and fermentation to cultivate and harvest the fungus commercially. When the paper industry transitioned to incineration of waste in the early 1990s, Pekilo became useless.

Why Is Enifer CEO Simo Ellila Reviving Pekilo?

The visionary executive mentioned that the unique history of Pekilo has assisted the company in taking a giant leap forward. Thanks to that, Enifer’s existing pilot can be transformed into a commercial-scale facility.

Simo said the final product would be used as plant protein ingredients such as pea or soy protein concentrate. It will have nearly 70% protein, 20% high-quality fiber, and beta-glucan.

Enifer CEO Simo Ellila. Image Credit: X (Twitter).

Pekilo is exceptionally well suited for baking applications. It will bring in a lot of protein and fiber while not imparting any undesired color or flavor.

Furthermore, the food-grade version of Pekilo has neutral flavors. The taste will include savory and sweet. Also, Enifer CEO Simo Ellila revealed that the company gave a chocolate cake to visitors by swapping flour with Pekilo. It can also be used in patties, yogurts, cheese, and cold cuts.

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How Will the Company Cultivate Fungal Proteins?

According to multiple sources, the company will cultivate the fungus in a fermentation tank. The vat stands over 12 meters tall and 4.5 meters in diameter and will circulate nutrients to help grow the Pekilo.

Furthermore, after heat treatment and biomass harvest, the fungus will be dried with hot air and pulverized into a powder.

The completed Pekilo can be used as a drop-in component in various dishes, including alternative meats and morning cereals.

It’s the company Christmas ? party season! At @EniferBio was hosted by Pidot Productions for a #team cooking challenge. Who knew that our PEKILO® protein works equally well in a salad cruble, skagenrörä, Wallenbergare and even a chocolad cake?! #Fungi FTW pic.twitter.com/203X8ArI24

— Simo Ellilä (@SimoEllila) November 26, 2022

Moreover, Simo said that Pekilo might be a catalyst in decreasing the animal cruelty and environmental damage caused by protein consumption.

However, the startup company will need to receive regulatory clearance as a novel food before the mycoprotein can be turned into food for human consumption.

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Funding And Construction Of Factory

Enifer CEO Simo Ellila revealed that the Series B funding comprises 15 million euros in equity. The private equity Finnish fund led series B called Taaleri Bioindustry Fund I.

Similarly, Nordic Foodtech VC, Valio, and Voima are the company’s existing shareholders and will follow up on the investment.

Moreover, the Finnish Climate Fund, Finnvera, and Business Finland also contributed to the funding by providing 7 million, 2 million, and 12 million euros, respectively.

Thanks to them, Enifer will be able to construct the world’s first commercial plant factory to produce a mycoprotein ingredient from food industry byproduct raw materials. It will be constructed in Helsinki, Finland.

The company revealed that reaching total production capacity will take at least three years from 2024. Thus, it looks like the factory will not be ready until 2026.

FAQs

Q: Who is the CEO of Enifer?

A: Simo Ellilais the chief executive officer of Enifer.

Q: What is Simo Ellila’s net worth?

A: Ellila has not revealed his wealth to the general public.

Q: What is Simo Ellila’s nationality?

A: Simo is Finnish.

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