COP26: Why world leaders need to be talking about alternative proteins
Alice RavenscroftPlant-based and cultivated meat cut emissions by up to 92%. In order to meet the Paris Agreement, we must change how meat is made.
Plant-Based
Plant-based category marketing
Interest in plant-based products is growing, but many consumers still express skepticism about plant protein foods, or simply lack familiarity with the category. Category marketing campaigns to promote plant-based and alt protein products, independent of specific brands, can engender familiarity and showcase recent innovations. Campaigns can emphasize flavor, convenience, familiarity, nutrition, and other positive attributes. Category marketing can help expand existing markets, increase demand, and promote alternative proteins for new markets and use cases.
Facilitating import and export of alternative protein products
Many alternative protein companies are interested in exporting their products or ingredients, and this is matched by interest from businesses in many countries eager to import exciting products. But import/export is a complex endeavor with many legal, logistical, and administrative challenges. There are many opportunities for brokers, directories, legal firms, and service providers to facilitate global trade in alternative proteins, including consulting services on regulatory compliance, facilitating introductions to in-country distribution partners, and aggregating listings of government support programs and trade contacts.
Animal ingredient substitution
Enabling easy animal ingredient substitutions in a wide range of food products.
Plant-based protein makerspaces
Plant-based protein makerspaces would be publicly available spaces where interested members of the public could learn, experiment, and work collaboratively on projects related to plant-based proteins. They could offer access to the physical equipment necessary to conduct projects as well as technical assistance to inform them. The aim would be to encourage more interaction between the public and the alternative protein industry, thus stimulating the exploration and development of more ideas. Makerspaces may also be able to increase positive consumer perception of the technology by increasing familiarity with the relevant production processes. The logistics of the makerspace should be done in such a way to maximize democratization and inclusion of a large segment of the public.
Alternative protein high school summer program
There is currently a lack of resources for high school students interested in alternative proteins. Students interested in entering this field would benefit from the creation of summer courses that provide motivated high school students with the theoretical background, hands on experience, and a network of peers to help foster their interest in alternative proteins. The aim of initiating such a program is to encourage students to pursue self-directed learning in this area, thus stimulating growth in the alternative protein community.
Alternative proteins offer climate opportunities and mitigate business risk
Emma IgnaszewskiAs the IPCC puts the finishing touches on part two of its Sixth Assessment Report, which assesses the impacts of climate change on our planet and will be completed in February 2022, we explore the implications of part one and highlight opportunities for alternative proteins to mitigate climate impacts.
Structuring plant-based whole muscle cut analogues using extrusion and less-refined, protein-rich colloids
Join Dr. Mario Martinez, Assistant Professor at Aarhus University, to learn about his GFI-funded research structuring plant-based whole muscle cuts using microstructure engineering and chemistry to give plant proteins the fibrous qualities of muscle tissue.
Structuring plant-based whole muscle cut analogues using extrusion and less-refined, protein-rich colloids
Join Dr. Mario Martinez, Assistant Professor at Aarhus University, to learn about his GFI-funded research structuring plant-based whole muscle cuts using microstructure engineering and chemistry to give plant proteins the fibrous qualities of muscle tissue.
The Business of Alt Protein: Building brand awareness with compelling storytelling
Join branding and consumer research experts in a panel discussing how alternative protein companies can leverage storytelling to build awareness and trust with consumers.
