Ineratec branches into food applications with green hydrogen-based wax

German e-fuels firm Ineratec has delivered the first of its new green hydrogen-based e-Wax to a US start-up.

According to the firm, the Matera e-Wax produced from captured carbon dioxide and green hydrogen can be processed into edible fats and could contribute to reducing pressure on conventional food production pathways.

Wax is usually used in food processing as a protective coating, glazing agent, or release agent, enhancing properties of foods for storage or preventing products from sticking to moulds or equipment.

The recipient of the wax remains unnamed, and the precise application was not disclosed. Ineratec said the product could decarbonise livestock supply chains, which it estimates account for around 14.5% of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.

It represents a new sector for the e-fuels developer which has recently focussed on developing including sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF) and defence-centric .

Maximilian Backhaus, CCO of Ineratec, said that the wax can “contribute to reimagining food production,” while using the same molecules it has traditionally used for decarbonising aviation, shipping, and the chemical industry.

It adds to a growing focus from green hydrogen players to focus on higher-value applications that may be able to better absorb a green premium.

E-Wax itself could carry a sizeable cost premium over conventionally produced wax, but may represent only a small part of the cost of a finished food product, offering a potentially modest impact on end prices.