By: Sepher Bashari, 16-10-2024

As companies around the world strive to meet ambitious Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets, the choices they make about their supply chains have never been more important. At Agrain, we believe in creating ingredients that not only taste good but also support companies in reaching their sustainability goals. Our upcycled ingredients, made from spent grain, bring measurable environmental, social, and economic benefits to the table, helping businesses transform their supply chains in meaningful ways.

The ESG Advantage of Choosing Agrain’s Ingredients

Our ingredients do more than simply replacing a percentage of traditional flour or additives - they contribute directly to a company’s ESG objectives. Here’s how Agrain’s upcycled spent grain flour and other ingredients align with sustainable procurement and ESG targets.

Environmental: Reducing Waste and Lowering Carbon Footprints

1. Upcycled Ingredients for a Circular Economy
Agrain’s products come from upcycling spent grain, a by-product of the brewing industry that would otherwise go to waste. Every year, millions of tons of spent grain are produced, much of which is disposed of or used as low-value animal feed. By transforming this by-product into high-quality flour, we reduce food waste and create value where there was once loss. Choosing Agrain helps companies move toward a circular economy, meeting the “reduce, reuse, recycle” mandate that is increasingly embedded in corporate environmental policies.

2. Lower Carbon Emissions and Resource Use
Agrain’s ingredients are not only made from by-products but also have a lower environmental footprint compared to conventional ingredients. In a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) comparing our spent grain flour with conventional wheat flour, we found significant reductions in land, water, and energy use. Switching to Agrain’s upcycled flour can help companies reduce the overall carbon emissions associated with their supply chains, supporting environmental targets on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Supporting Regenerative Agriculture
By making use of spent grain from existing agricultural processes, we indirectly reduce the pressure on land resources and contribute to the preservation of ecosystems. Agrain’s approach allows companies to embrace regenerative sourcing practices by supporting ingredient choices that don’t require additional farming, further aligning with biodiversity and conservation goals.

Social: Supporting Communities and Building Sustainable Partnerships

1. Creating Value from By-products
By upcycling spent grain into premium ingredients, Agrain creates value for both brewers and food producers. Our model not only contributes to the circular economy but also enhances the livelihoods of all parties involved in the supply chain. We believe in fair partnerships that support all stakeholders, from farmers to brewers and bakeries, fostering a more equitable food system.

2. Promoting Healthier Products
Consumer demand for healthier food options is rising, and companies are looking to improve the nutritional profiles of their offerings. Agrain’s ingredients, rich in fiber and protein, allow brands to respond to this demand with products that deliver real health benefits. In turn, companies can contribute to social well-being by offering products that are healthier, supporting the social aspect of ESG that focuses on consumer health and satisfaction.

3. Inspiring Sustainable Food Practices
Our partnerships extend beyond transactions - we collaborate with our clients to educate and inspire about sustainable practices in the food industry. Through these collaborations, Agrain seeks to elevate awareness around food waste, upcycling, and sustainable sourcing, which, in turn, drives positive social impact across the value chain.

Governance: Transparent, Traceable, and Aligned with Ethical Sourcing Standards

1. Transparent and Traceable Supply Chain
Transparency is key in meeting governance standards. Agrain maintains a fully traceable supply chain, allowing companies to verify the sustainability credentials of their ingredients. This traceability not only builds trust with consumers but also ensures compliance with ethical sourcing and sustainability reporting standards, allowing companies to accurately document and communicate their ESG achievements.

2. Aligning with Global Standards
Agrain’s sustainable sourcing practices align with global sustainability frameworks, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By choosing our ingredients, companies contribute to several SDGs, including Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) and Climate Action (SDG 13). These standards are increasingly referenced in ESG reporting, giving companies a clear framework to demonstrate their commitment to responsible sourcing.

3. Supporting Long-term Sustainability Commitments
Many companies today have set long-term sustainability goals, such as achieving carbon neutrality or reducing resource dependency. Agrain’s ingredients are designed with these commitments in mind. By building a more sustainable ingredient base, we help companies future-proof their products and supply chains, ensuring that their operations align with evolving regulations, standards, and consumer expectations for years to come.

Sustainable Procurement with Agrain: A Choice for the Future

Incorporating Agrain’s upcycled ingredients into your supply chain isn’t just a short-term fix - it’s a long-term strategy for sustainable growth. Our commitment to upcycling, ethical partnerships, and environmental responsibility supports companies in reaching their ESG targets, contributing directly to measurable outcomes across Environmental, Social, and Governance criteria.

By choosing Agrain, you’re not only meeting the demands of today’s consumers but also investing in a sustainable future that prioritizes the health of people and the planet. Together, we can create a more resilient and responsible food system, one upcycled ingredient at a time.

Agrain’s ingredients provide a practical pathway for companies looking to make real, impactful progress toward their ESG goals. Ready to explore how Agrain can help your company achieve sustainable procurement? Contact us to learn more about how our spent grain flour can be the sustainable choice for your supply chain.