Innovative Collaboration Drives Sustainability in the Bakery Industry

The seminar, hosted by Puratos and MECATHERM, emphasized the importance of sustainable development, inspired by the Brundtland Report's principles of meeting present needs without compromising future generations. The event aimed to inspire businesses to adopt practices that are economically viable, socially responsible, and environmentally friendly, ensuring no compromise on product quality, taste or industrial performance. 

With increasing consumer demand for sustainable products, the seminar highlighted key trends shaping the industry. Insights from Puratos's Taste Tomorrow research revealed that consumers are actively seeking products with sustainable packaging, responsibly sourced ingredients, and minimal environmental impact. This consumer-driven shift presents a competitive advantage for businesses that prioritize sustainability.

The event showcased a range of innovative solutions designed to enhance sustainability in the bakery industry:

• Ingredients for more sustainable baked goods: Puratos showcased several sustainability-focused ingredient solutions, including Sapore Lavida (a sourdough made from regenerative flour), Mimetic (plant-based specialty fat and a butter replacement), Puraslim (improver for fat reduction), Sunset Glaze (plant-based egg-wash alternative), Cubease (tailormade improver in a disruptive cube format) and Intens Egg technology (powdered modular enzyme-based technology to reduce eggs) and more. These innovations allow bakery manufacturers to produce high-quality products with a proven lower environmental impact.
• Reducing the carbon footprint of the production line: MECATHERM and its sister company ABI presented innovative solutions designed to optimize the energy efficiency of the manufacturing process as well as to reduce product waste. These solutions include the new patented Hygro Control System dedicated to vertical ovens, the product buffer concept with MVD or MDC, as well as the Eye-Q  Quality Control System from ABI integrating artificial intelligence.
• Regenerative Agriculture: Highlighted by Grands Moulins de Paris/IVESCIA's TRANSITIONS program and the Farm For Good initiative, regenerative farming practices focus on soil health, biodiversity, and CO2 (sequestration and decreasing emissions). These practices ensure high-quality ingredients, foster connections with farmers, and support the transition to sustainable agriculture. By using a results-based approach, they demonstrate their positive environmental impact through real data, KPIs, and measurable outcomes on carbon reduction and biodiversity.

The seminar underscored the power of collaboration in driving industry-wide change. By bringing together experts, industry leaders, and partners, Puratos and MECATHERM facilitated a rich exchange of ideas and best practices. This collaborative approach is essential for addressing the complex challenges of sustainability and ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for the bakery industry.

Attendees had the opportunity to witness live product demonstrations at MECATHERM’s demo center, focusing on producing baguettes and brioches with a significantly reduced environmental and carbon footprint. These demonstrations highlighted the use of regenerative flour and innovative baking technologies, ensuring that sustainability does not come at the expense of quality.

Expert presentations and roundtable discussions provided valuable insights into various aspects of sustainability, from ingredient sourcing to energy efficiency. Sensory evaluations of the products ensured that the sustainable solutions met consumer expectations for taste and quality.

The seminar concluded with a strong commitment from Puratos and MECATHERM to continue driving innovation and sustainability in the bakery industry. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and fostering collaborative efforts, they aim to inspire and support bakers in their journey towards a more sustainable future.

This event marks a significant step forward in the bakery industry's sustainability journey, demonstrating that with innovation and collaboration, it is possible to create delicious, high-quality products that are also kind to the planet.