What Is the Grainstone Project?
Grainstone stands for healthier, greener, affordable food, feed and bioproducts. Science & technology are the driving forces behind solving the grand challenges of our generation. Consumers today demand healthier, more sustainable and more interesting foods at prices that make sense. With a focus on foodtech and biotech solutions that support circular economy, Grainstone is revolutionising the barley value chain. The project began its journey with barley-derived brewers spent grain – a resource that amounts to over 45 million tonnes produced globally each year, yet remains under-utilised. Brewing beer removes only the starchy sugars, leaving behind a food-grade byproduct rich in protein, fibre, and micronutrients, which is usually sent to landfill or given away as low-value stock feed. Maximum Value. Minimum Waste. And yes, this is probably the world’s most sustainable flour!
Main Benefits
The project delivers multiple benefits that resonate with pressing global needs. Key figures and facts include:
- Over 45 million tonnes of brewer’s spent grain produced each year globally
- A new, higher-protein, high-fibre specialty flour made from premium barley – the same barley used for Australia’s best beers
- A comprehensive approach to transforming agricultural byproducts into valuable food ingredients and bioproducts
- A B-Corporation with an impressive Bcorp score of 97.9
- A portfolio of prestigious awards such as CSIRO Protein Futures Best Pitch, Best Foodtech finalist at the Australian Agritech Awards, and many more
Innovative Ingredient Revolution
At the heart of Grainstone is an innovative ingredient that is nothing short of a revolution in food ingredients. This new specialty flour, derived from barley spent grain, is a wholesome, versatile addition to biscuits, breakfast cereals, artisan breads, and a wide array of food products. Its higher protein and high-fibre content contribute to making food not only healthier but also more exciting to the consumer. And hey… why waste something so precious when it can be turned into an ingredient that boosts both the taste and health of everyday foods?
Advancing Biorefinery Technology
Grainstone isn’t stopping with just one product. The project is setting the stage for a ground-breaking biorefinery process that extracts high-value ingredients and bioproducts from grain and its byproducts. Through advanced multi-product technology, the biorefinery can produce barley protein concentrate and soluble dietary fibres that open up exciting new avenues for food manufacturers. This integrated approach not only supports plant-based protein innovation but also paves the way for scalable solutions in cleantech and sustainable processing. It’s a savvy marriage of science and purpose that speaks to the future of renewable energy and sustainable food manufacturing.
Collaborating with Leading Organisations
Grainstone’s vision is reinforced by collaborations with Australia’s leading research organisations. The project has worked closely with CSIRO, initially through the CSIRO Kick-Start program, and has benefited from co-funding support provided by Sustainability Victoria and the Australian Government’s End Food Waste Co-operative Research Centre, among others. This partnership network not only validates the project’s innovative approach but also fast-tracks its deployment in multiple market scenarios. Such collaborative efforts ensure that cutting-edge research and advanced manufacturing solutions converge in a way that champions sustainability, circular economy principles, and food innovation.
Project Impact on SDGs
- Zero Hunger – By transforming under-utilised grain byproducts into nutritious food ingredients
- Climate Action – Pioneering renewable energy and sustainable processing methods
- Responsible Consumption and Production – Emphasising zero waste and circular economy strategies
- Affordable and Clean Energy – Leveraging innovative technologies to optimize resource use
- Sustainable Cities and Communities – Fostering a healthier and greener food system for communities
Exploring the Future of Grain-based Innovation
The Grainstone project is more than just an initiative in the food products industry – it is a trailblazing mission aimed at addressing some of today’s most urgent challenges. It champions the use of science & technology to make food manufacturing more sustainable and engaging. By turning brewer’s spent grain into a specialty flour that enhances the health benefits of everyday food, Grainstone is creating exciting opportunities for food manufacturers and consumers alike. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes: from developing ground-breaking biorefinery systems to securing accolades and partnerships with top-tier research institutions. This project not only harnesses the potential of dietary fibre, plant-based protein, and sustainable food ingredients but also weaves them intricately with critical global issues like climate change, hunger, zero waste, and renewable energy.
Such innovations are crucial in today’s fast-evolving market. The casual yet dynamic approach to transforming food tech and cleantech could reshape how ingredients are perceived and used. With an ever-increasing demand for sustainable products, Grainstone stands as a testament to what can be achieved when cutting-edge technology meets a commitment to sustainability – a recipe that seems to work brilliantly… and the future looks precious indeed.
