Green oil: NoPalm-Milcobel deal unlocks whey permeate to create sustainable palm fat substitute

NoPalm Ingredients is addressing these demands with its fermentation technology, which produces oils and fats identical to conventional palm and other tropical oils “without using any palm-derived raw materials.” Instead, the Dutch firm utilizes agro-industrial side streams, such as whey permeate — the leftover liquid after proteins are removed from cheese whey. According to the European Dairy Association, the EU produces nearly four million metric tons per year of whey permeate, which is mostly pumped into water bodies, leading to environmental pollution. Because whey is rich in lactose and minerals, the food industry is now valorizing it as feedstock for food innovations. The agreement with Milcobel has two parts. First, Milcobel will supply whey permeate for NoPalm Ingredients’ demo factory in the Netherlands starting in 2026. Second, both companies will explore the possibility of building NoPalm’s first commercial factory at Milcobel’s Langemark, Belgium site by 2028. Julie ...