Circular economy solution for Swiss plant-based meat market

There is a need for additional protein sources that provide a more sustainable option for product formulation

Bühler AG and CN & Partners AG have announced their joint venture to create Circular Food Solutions Switzerland AG, a new company which will produce a Swiss meat alternative based on upcycled spent grain from Switzerland. A true upcycling solution, produced locally, the product is rich in protein and fibers, and has a low environmental impact.

“For decades, spent malted barley was used as feed for animals. Now we are reusing it to create healthy and tasty meat alternatives,” says Johannes Wick, CEO of Bühler’s Grains & Food business. “We are dedicated to living sustainably and are proving it through our actions,” says Swiss entrepreneur Christoph Nyfeler, owner of CN & Partners AG.

The partnership combines Bühler’s processing expertise and intellectual property with CN & Partners’ skills, experience, and network in order to bring a new solution to the plant-based meat market. Circular Food Solutions Switzerland will source brewers’ spent grain from Swiss breweries that use Swiss malt. “We are working closely with Bühler on detailed engineering at the chosen location. If we can secure an efficient supply chain, we expect the operation to start by summer 2023,” says Nyfeler.