Millions of tons of agricultural waste are incinerated or left to decay every year, leading to massive amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. Creative Food Labs tackles this problem by upcycling agricultural waste into new food ingredients through a low-energy fermentation process. Its first product is xylitol, a natural sugar substitute free from negative consequences like diabetes, obesity and tooth decay. And by paying farmers for each pound of waste, Creative Food Labs can double the income of Mexican farmers living in extreme poverty.
The big picture: Roughly 60 million dry tons of crop residue are produced in Mexico each year, representing an enormous opportunity to avoid emissions.
The big picture: Roughly 60 million dry tons of crop residue are produced in Mexico each year, representing an enormous opportunity to avoid emissions.