As global supply chains face increasing pressure from climate change and resource constraints, innovative food technologies are emerging to create more resilient alternatives. Clean Food Group is advancing this transition with new funding aimed at scaling its fermentation based production of sustainable oils and fats derived from food waste.
Investment to Accelerate Industrial Scale Production
The company has raised £4.5 million in investment led by Clean Growth Fund and New Agrarian. In addition, it secured a £700,000 non dilutive grant from Innovate UK, strengthening its financial position and supporting its growth plans.
This funding will enable Clean Food Group to expand its manufacturing capabilities and bring its large scale production facility online, positioning the company to meet growing demand for sustainable ingredients.
Transforming Food Waste into Valuable Ingredients
Founded in 2022 following eight years of research, Clean Food Group has developed a process that converts food waste into essential oils and fats using fermentation technology. By leveraging engineered yeast strains, the company produces ingredients that can serve as alternatives to traditional oils used in food, cosmetics, and other industries.
This approach not only reduces reliance on conventional agricultural sources but also helps address the challenge of food waste, turning it into a valuable resource within a circular economy.
Scaling Through Advanced Manufacturing
A key milestone in the company’s growth has been the acquisition of a one million litre fermentation facility in Knowsley, Liverpool. This facility provides the scale needed to move from pilot production to industrial manufacturing, enabling Clean Food Group to significantly increase output.
The company’s manufacturing process has already been validated at scale, and it has established strategic collaborations with global fast moving consumer goods and ingredients manufacturers. These partnerships, combined with a strong demand pipeline, indicate growing market interest in sustainable oil alternatives.
Expanding Applications Across Industries
Clean Food Group’s products are designed for use across multiple sectors. In 2025, its CleanOil 25 product received regulatory approval for use as a cosmetics ingredient in the UK, the United States, and Europe.
This milestone highlights the versatility of the company’s technology and its potential to disrupt not only the food industry but also the broader ingredients market.
By providing sustainable and scalable alternatives, the company aims to reduce environmental impact while maintaining performance and quality.
Addressing Supply Chain Challenges
The company’s mission is closely aligned with broader global concerns around supply chain resilience. Factors such as geopolitical tensions, climate volatility, and trade disruptions are increasingly affecting the availability of key raw materials.
By producing essential ingredients through controlled fermentation processes, Clean Food Group offers a more stable and predictable supply model. This reduces dependence on traditional agricultural inputs and helps mitigate risks associated with global supply chains.
Driving a Sustainable Future
With the new funding, Clean Food Group plans to bring online what it describes as the world’s largest yeast derived oils and fats facility. This expansion will support its long term vision of transforming how essential ingredients are produced.
The company’s approach reflects a growing trend toward using biotechnology to address environmental and economic challenges. By combining scientific innovation with industrial scale production, Clean Food Group is helping to create a more sustainable and resilient food system.
Looking Ahead
As demand for sustainable ingredients continues to rise, Clean Food Group is well positioned to play a key role in the future of food and materials production. Its ability to convert waste into high value products offers both environmental and commercial benefits.
With strong investor backing, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and expanding market applications, the company is set to accelerate its impact, contributing to a more sustainable and secure global supply chain.
