MeTech Holdings, led by CEO: Chanmok Park, a startup specializing in methane gas research for livestock, announced the establishment of its local subsidiary, ‘MeTech Brasil LTDA,’ in São Paulo, Brazil, the world’s second-largest livestock market with 300 million head of cattle on Oct. 4.
It is rare for a domestic startup to expand beyond Korea into the Brazilian and South American markets. Methane gas emissions from cattle are a serious environmental issue as methane is considered to be a super pollutant. Accurate measurement and data collection on methane emissions are crucial for reducing livestock greenhouse gases, and MeTech’s innovative Methane Capsule is one of the best technology currently available in the market.
MeTech successfully developed the ‘Methane Capsule,’ a device that measures methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) from within the stomachs of cattle. This breakthrough will soon be followed by the development of a methane-reducing capsule that not only lowers methane emissions but also provides data for low-carbon certification.
In partnership with Brazil’s leading agricultural research institute, Embrapa and Tendência Agronegócios, a primary research institution, MeTech has already signed a joint research agreement to address “Brazil’s livestock greenhouse gas challenges”. The deal also includes the export of an initial batch of Methane Capsules for 1,000 head of cattle for Proof of Concept (POC) testing.
CEO Chanmok Park stated, “We established a local entity in Brazil to solidify our partnership with government agencies and expand our presence across South America, starting with Brazil. With the installation of our Methane Capsule system for the 1,000 head of cattle already contracted, we are now fully capable of entering the Brazilian market for livestock methane measurement and traceability systems. Our target is to install the system for 300,000 cattle next year.”
Park further explained, “The Lula administration in Brazil is pushing to mandate low-carbon cattle traceability for 50 million cattle across the Amazon region by 2026. MeTech is also actively collaborating with JBS, the world’s largest meat processing company, which processes over 100 million cattle annually, to develop a platform targeting 1 million cattle each year.”
Brazil’s biggest concern lies in methane emissions from cattle, a potent greenhouse gas over 20 times more powerful than carbon dioxide, with the ability to trap heat up to 80 times more effectively.
Brazil, home to 300 million cattle, is moving swiftly to establish a low-carbon market under the leadership of President Lula, who has launched a strong initiative to reduce emissions and implement future fuel programs. The Brazilian government is also working extensively to standardize low-carbon beef for the global market.
The “Green Seal Program,” which focuses on sustainable development and environmental protection, emphasizes green technology, renewable energy, and fostering sustainable development within local communities.
In just its second year since founding, MeTech has signed Methane Capsule supply contracts with institutions in five countries: the USDA and ArkeaBio in the U.S., Embrapa in Brazil, Rumin8 in Australia, Royal Agrifirm Group in the Netherlands, and Agrimin in the U.K.
CEO Park added, “Through our Brazil subsidiary, we plan to carry out the Green Seal Program with state of Goiás, a Brazilian state with 40 million cattle. The subsidiary will oversee operations across South America, including Paraguay. We are working with Embrapa to fully transition their existing low-carbon data systems to our Methane Capsule technology. Our goal is to lead the low-carbon livestock and traceability markets in South America, with a focus on introducing a capsule-based system to manage livestock methane emissions.”
