"We make oil" may seem like a strange statement, but in the case of TerraVia Holdings (formerly Solazyme), it's true. The company manufactures a variety of oils by feeding plant sugars to microalgae. Its "tailored oils" can be created to replace fuel and chemical, edible, or personal skin care oil traditionally derived from petroleum or animal fats. The microbial-based oils work with existing production, refining, and distribution infrastructure systems. TerraVia feeds its microalgae sugarcane, corn, and biomass-derived sugars; its oils cost half to a third as much to produce as traditional oils. The company also sells protein, fiber, and other system by-products.