Dive Brief:
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A collaboration between Welch's and Blue Marble Biomaterials will re-purpose byproducts of Welch's grape processing operations, using the natural ingredient materials in food, fragrance and cosmetics, according to a news release.
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The joint project could keep sizable amounts of so-called “side stream products” out of compost heaps, instead employing them in products for human use, improving Welch's green footprint.
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"We have been working with Welch's for the past year to identify the numerous final products that we can manufacture from its side streams that normally are sent to compost or animal feed suppliers," Colby Underwood, co-CEO of Blue Marble said. "Our natural chemicals offer manufacturers and consumers a better choice, and we are eager to explore commercial scenarios with Welch's to determine the most advantageous path forward."
Dive Insight:
In addition to improving sustainability through (and for) both companies, this effort will point the way toward similar collaborations, suggesting strategies that parallel companies can use to reduce waste, increase recycling and reuse otherwise discarded materials.
More and more food processing companies are exploring or entering into compacts aimed at decreasing their carbon footprint. Welch's operations generate a lot of waste – or “side stream” products, in the words of Blue Marble Biomaterials. Blue Marble produces replacement biochemicals that are sourced from organic materials such as used coffee and tea, or in the case of its collaboration with Welch's, skin from fruits and vegetables to replace chemicals sourced from crude oil.
According to the news release, Welch's has been searching for better, more innovative to use byproducts such as grape skins and food products, instead of merely mixing them in animal feed or disposing of them in a landfill fill. It's reasonable to assume that many other food processors struggle with the same issue. This partnership may encourage similar manufacturers to seek out comparable waste arrangements.