- New project to convert brewer's spent grain waste into high-value products
- Collaborative research unlocking new market opportunities for WA's vibrant craft beer industry
- Cook Government supporting sustainable and value adding products Made in WA
A new research collaboration is working to transform beer by-products into innovative food and fibre products, unlocking new market opportunities for Western Australia's craft brewing industry.
The Value Adding to Brewery Spent Grain project will explore how brewer's spent grain (BSG) can be turned into ready-to-eat foods, food ingredients, health products and plant-based leather.
The Cook Government is supporting this work through a $660,000 investment into the $1.24 million project, delivered in partnership with the End Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre.
Australian brewers produce more than 300,000 tonnes of protein-rich, high-fibre BSG annually, with around 20 kilograms of wet by-product created for every 100 litres of beer brewed, most of which is destined for low-cost animal feed or landfill.
Led by ChemCentre, project collaborators include Curtin University and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Work will be also undertaken with industry partners including WA Brewers Association, Spinifex Brewing Co, Nanollose and Maalinup Aboriginal Gallery to drive the innovations to market.
For more information about the project visit www.chemcentre.wa.gov.au/value-adding-to-brewery-spent-grain
As stated by Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Tapping into the potential of brewer's spent grain for food and fibres opens up new commercial pathways for brewing, food and biomaterials sectors made here in WA.
"The Cook Government is proud to be supporting this project. WA is home to an outstanding community of scientists, researchers and innovators whose expertise is driving initiatives like this forward."
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"The Value Adding to Brewery Spent Grain project is an exciting initiative that extends beyond the paddock to pint experience, supporting the WA Craft Beer Strategy's vision for industry prosperity, innovation and sustainability.
"This research will explore how WA craft beer, already an incredible example of a value-add product, could have further value-add potential for WA growers and brewers.
"I look forward to seeing the Made in WA products that emerge from this research and the subsequent value-add and business opportunities that will drive economic growth and jobs across the State."
As stated by End Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre CEO Tristan Butt:
"Each year, Australia's brewing industry generates enough spent grain to cover Kings Park - that's a nutrient-rich by-product that too often goes to landfill.
"Repurposing it into food, nutraceuticals and sustainable materials cuts this waste and unlocks new value. It's a positive step, taking us closer to our goal of halving food waste by 2030."
