Welch's and Blue Marble Biomaterials Announce Planned Collaboration
Companies seek to bring natural ingredients to market
SEATTLE, Dec. 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Welch Foods, Inc. (Welch's), a global food and beverage manufacturer, and biochemical manufacturer Blue Marble Biomaterials (Blue Marble) today announced their intention to collaborate to bring naturally derived biochemicals to the public.
The collaboration would enable Blue Marble to expand its manufacturing capacity for natural ingredients (biochemicals) for use in food, fragrance, and lifestyle products such as cosmetics from low-value side streams generated during Welch's production of grape and apple juice.
"We have been working with Welch's for the past year to identify the numerous final products that we can manufacture from its side streams that normally are sent to compost or animal feed suppliers," said Colby Underwood, co-CEO of Blue Marble. "Our natural chemicals offer manufacturers and consumers a better choice, and we are eager to explore commercial scenarios with Welch's to determine the most advantageous path forward."
Blue Marble produces drop-in replacement biochemicals that are derived from organic materials—such as spent coffee and tea, wood chips, and the pulp and skin of fruits and vegetables—to replace chemicals derived from crude oil.
"We are excited to collaborate with Blue Marble and to do our part to create a more sustainable world," said Bradley Irwin, Welch's CEO. "Welch's is owned by family farmers who have been growing fruit for generations. This partnership is an expression of their dedication to sharing what's good."
About Blue Marble Biomaterials
Blue Marble's mission is to replace petroleum-based chemicals with sustainable, zero carbon specialty chemicals. Its patented processes use plant material, including spent coffee and tea, algae, wood chips, and tomato and grape pomace, to produce completely natural petrochemical replacements. www.bluemarblebio.com
About Welch's
Welch's is the processing and marketing subsidiary of the National Grape Cooperative. Located across America and in Ontario, Canada, the cooperative's approximately 1,000 family farmers own the company and grow the delicious and inherently healthy Concord grapes used in Welch's juices and other grape-based products. Welch's is committed to research and development that will meet the growing demand for products that address consumers' health and nutrition needs. Welch's products are sold throughout the United States and in approximately 40 countries around the globe. Welch's is an Equal Opportunity Employer-Minorities/Female/Disabled/Veterans. www.welchs.com
Blue Marble Contact:
Joanne Matsusaka
206.715.5949
[email protected]
Welch Foods, Inc. Contact:
[email protected]
SOURCE Blue Marble Biomaterials
Share this article