Source: Fortune
Summary
Solar Foods, a Finnish company, has developed a protein powder called Solein, made from carbon dioxide and hydrogen. GEA Group, a German engineering firm, invested €8 million in Solar Foods, taking a 5.5% stake. GEA aims to achieve net zero across its value chain by 2040, with a €175 million investment in decarbonizing its factories. The company reported revenue of €2.7 billion in the first half of 2026, with a 16.8% EBITDA margin. GEA’s CEO, Stefan Klebert, emphasized sustainability as a business model, not just an ethical choice.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
GEA invested in a protein startup, then doubled down on sustainability.
Revenue grew, EBITDA improved, and the CEO called climate change unavoidable.
Engineers are told to cut energy use, not just boost output.
The company sees sustainability as a competitive edge, not a cost.
Author: Evan Null
GEA’s Investment in Solar Foods
GEA Group invested €8 million in Solar Foods, a Finnish company developing a protein powder called Solein. The investment gives GEA a 5.5% stake and positions it as a strategic partner. Solar Foods claims Solein has lower emissions and reduces reliance on land for protein production. This move aligns with GEA’s broader commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
Sustainability as a Business Model
GEA is embedding sustainability into its core operations, redesigning machinery to be less energy-intensive. The company aims for net zero by 2040 and plans to invest €175 million in decarbonizing its factories. GEA’s CEO, Stefan Klebert, believes sustainability is not just ethical but also a profitable business model. He emphasized that reducing resource use can lead to competitive advantages.
Revenue Growth and EBITDA Improvements
GEA reported strong financial results in the first half of 2026, with revenue reaching €2.7 billion and EBITDA before restructuring costs rising to €456.5 million. The company’s EBITDA margin was 16.8%, showing improved profitability. Klebert attributed this growth to a cultural shift in how GEA approaches innovation, focusing on energy efficiency rather than incremental productivity gains.
Energy-Saving Innovations
GEA has developed energy-saving technologies, such as an industrial heat pump combined with a milk spray dryer. This innovation helped a Danish dairy company, Arla, cut energy use by more than half. The success of these technologies highlights GEA’s ability to deliver tangible benefits to customers while reducing environmental impact. Klebert noted that energy-intensive industries stand to gain the most from such innovations.
Challenges and Opportunities
European companies face pressure to meet net-zero targets while remaining competitive. A survey by Horváth found that many companies are reassessing their climate goals due to short-term performance and geopolitical factors. In contrast, GEA continues to prioritize sustainability, seeing it as a long-term business opportunity. Klebert believes that innovation and efficiency can help companies afford sustainability efforts without sacrificing competitiveness.
