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We organise our actions in six thematic & strategic agendas:
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Bio-economy
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Manufacturing Industry
Food Chain
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Lever Policy Instruments
Lever Circular Procurement
Lever Communication
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What, why and how?
Why are we pursuing a circular economy?
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About our management
Who steers what at Flanders Circular?
Brewer’s spent grain as a raw material for a plant-based organic meat substitute
High-quality valorization of by-products from the brewing industry
With an annual volume of around 230,000 tons in Belgium, spent grain is the main by-product of the brewery sector. Currently, most of it is processed into animal feed and exported to the Netherlands, even though it has valuable properties for use in the food sector.
With this project, Colruyt Group, in collaboration with Brunehaut Brewery and producer Abinda, aims to demonstrate that brewer’s spent grain can have a high-value valorization by using fresh spent grain in vegetarian and organic products, such as burgers.
They are supported in this by Vives University College as a knowledge partner.
After a series of studies on the microbiological safety and various characteristics of spent grain, we developed several recipes accompanied by tasting sessions. Ultimately, we arrived at two different products in which spent grain is successfully used: a meat substitute and snack croquettes. Both products are sold in Bio-Planet until mid-summer.
Colruyt Group (Bio Planet)
Partners Brouwerij Brunehaut, Abinda
Sectors
Themes
Organisations
MOST IMPORTANT
RESULTS
- We were able to demonstrate that spent grain is microbiologically safe and obtained approval from the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FAVV) to process spent grain in products for human consumption.
- We mapped the various characteristics of spent grain, and the results were positive. For example, it has a high protein and fiber content, which makes it ideal as an alternative binding agent in vegetarian products.
- After several tests with recipes and tasting sessions, we chose two different products: an organic, vegan meat substitute based on spent grain, spinach, and nuts, and snack croquettes made from spent grain, cheese, and beer. Both products are sold in Bio-Planet starting in June.
- We launched an informative marketing campaign: a QR code on the product packaging directs consumers to a web page with an explanation (and a video) about spent grain and the entire project.
MOST IMPORTANT
LESSONS LEARNED
- It was a major challenge to set up a completely new supply chain between the brewery, producer, and retailer. Working with wet by-products is especially not easy in the food sector, since these raw materials have a relatively short microbial shelf life.
- Of great value in this project were a clear task list and regular communication and follow-up through monthly meetings with all partners.
- In a collaboration between different partners, many factors must be considered, such as each party’s schedules and other projects. As a result, the project took longer than originally estimated.
WHAT DOES
THE FUTURE HOLD?
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?
In the near future, we will evaluate the sales of our products and consumer feedback. Depending on the results, we will consider whether we can sell the products at other retailers within Colruyt Group. We are also studying the possibility of developing more products based on brewer’s spent grain.
