Finnish food technology company Solar Foods has signed Memorandums of Understanding with two international partners for the commercialisation of 6,000 tonnes per year of its novel microbial protein, Solein.

The agreements mark a significant step toward scaling up production, with the company targeting industrial-scale manufacturing by 2030.

The non-binding agreements outline key principles for collaboration, including research, product development, and market entry strategies.

If finalised into binding contracts, the 6,000-tonne volume would account for approximately half of the planned full production capacity of Solar Foods’ future manufacturing facility, Factory 02, which is currently in its pre-engineering phase.

Factory 02, expected to be fully operational by 2030, is set to produce up to 12,800 tonnes of Solein annually – nearly 100 times the capacity of the company’s existing pilot facility, Factory 01. Solar Foods plans to construct the plant in three phases, with the first phase coming online in 2028, followed by subsequent expansions in 2029 and 2030. A final investment decision is slated for 2026.

“These agreements serve as compelling proof of Solein’s commercial outlook,” said Pasi Vainikka, CEO of Solar Foods. “We are deepening our collaboration with customers to develop and commercialise food, beverages and nutritional consumer products, with initial product launches expected in the United States.”

Solar Foods also recently announced the appointment of Rami Jokela as its new chief executive officer, effective April 1 2025.

The specific product applications and launch timelines will be announced by Solar Foods’ partners in due course. The agreements also play a strategic role in supporting the final investment decision for Factory 02.

Solein is a microbial protein produced via a proprietary fermentation process that utilises carbon dioxide, air, and electricity instead of traditional agricultural inputs. The company claims the protein is a highly versatile ingredient that can serve as a replacement for conventional proteins in a wide range of food products or as a nutritional fortifier.

Solar Foods, founded in 2017, has been positioning Solein as a sustainable alternative protein source that is independent of climate and weather conditions. The company is listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market Finland and has been expanding its global partnerships to drive commercial adoption.

The MoUs signal growing industry interest in fermentation-based proteins as the sector seeks scalable, sustainable alternatives to traditional agriculture amid rising concerns over food security and environmental impact. If successful, Factory 02 could become one of the largest microbial protein production facilities in the world, reinforcing Finland’s role as a hub for alternative protein innovation.