5 Best LanzaTech Alternatives for Carbon-to-Chemical Conversion
Compare the leading gas fermentation and synthetic biology platforms for converting industrial waste into sustainable products.
Written by Hustlin from public information. Industrial Microbes hasn’t joined Hustlin.
LanzaTech has proven that industrial emissions can be a resource rather than a waste product. Their gas fermentation technology is the current standard for converting carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide into ethanol. However, as the bio-economy expands, different companies require different feedstocks, such as methane, or specific chemical outputs that go beyond fuels. This list explores the top alternatives for companies looking to diversify their sustainable chemical production.
First, what is LanzaTech?
Best for: Large-scale industrial emitters, particularly steel mills, looking for a proven carbon capture and utilization (CCU) solution.
Strengths
- Proven commercial-scale operations with multiple global plants
- Strong track record in the steel and heavy industry sectors
- Established supply chains for ethanol-to-jet fuel conversion
Where it falls short
- High capital expenditure required for specialized bioreactor infrastructure
- Primary output is often limited to ethanol, requiring further processing for other chemicals
- Requires specific ratios of CO, CO2, and H2 for optimal fermentation
The top alternatives
- #1Top pick
Industrial Microbes: Flexible Synthetic Biology for Methane and CO2
Industrial Microbes (iMicrobes) focuses on the next generation of gas-to-chemical conversion. While LanzaTech primarily targets carbon monoxide from industrial flue gas, iMicrobes specializes in using methane and CO2. By engineering unique microbial strains, iMicrobes allows companies to use low-cost, abundant gases to produce high-value chemicals, polymers, and agricultural products. This approach offers a more flexible platform for companies that want to move beyond ethanol into specialty chemical markets.
- Specialized in methane-to-chemical conversion pathways
- Engineered microbes designed for high-yield chemical synthesis
- Ability to work with a wider variety of gaseous raw materials
- Focus on high-margin chemicals and polymers rather than bulk fuels
- Adaptable technology for space exploration and remote production
- #2Alternative
Calysta
Calysta uses gas fermentation to convert methane into high-quality protein. Their FeedKind product serves as a sustainable alternative to fishmeal and soy in the aquaculture and livestock industries.
Best for: Sustainable animal feed and protein production from natural gas.
- #3Alternative
Twelve
Twelve uses an electrochemical process, rather than biological fermentation, to convert CO2 into essential chemicals and fuels. Their technology acts like an industrial lung, using water and electricity to break down carbon.
Best for: Direct CO2 electrolysis for jet fuel and plastic precursors.
- #4Alternative
Mango Materials
Mango Materials utilizes methane-eating bacteria to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), a naturally occurring biopolymer that is biodegradable in many environments.
Best for: Producing biodegradable bioplastics from waste methane gas.
Side-by-side comparison
| Category | Industrial Microbes | LanzaTech | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Feedstock | Methane (CH4) and CO2 | Carbon Monoxide (CO) and CO2 | Neck-and-neck |
| Primary Output | Specialty Chemicals & Polymers | Ethanol & Sustainable Aviation Fuel | Stronger |
| Technology Type | Synthetic Biology / Engineered Strains | Gas Fermentation / Wild-type Strains | Neck-and-neck |
| Market Maturity | Launched / Pilot Stage | Commercial / Publicly Traded | Stronger |
| Capital Intensity | Moderate (Adaptable to existing tanks) | High (Custom gas-liquid reactors) | Stronger |
Frequently asked questions
How does Industrial Microbes differ from LanzaTech?
The main difference lies in the feedstock and the microbes. LanzaTech uses carbon monoxide-based fermentation to make ethanol. Industrial Microbes uses engineered microbes to convert methane and CO2 into a broader range of specialty chemicals.
Is gas fermentation better than traditional fermentation?
Gas fermentation is often more sustainable because it uses waste gases or cheap methane instead of food-based sugars (like corn or cane), which reduces the impact on land and water resources.
Ready to rethink your chemical supply chain?
Contact Industrial Microbes to learn how our microbial platforms can turn your waste gas into value.
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