BRAIN Biotech and Partners Launch Sustainable Beverage Project

In a significant stride towards sustainability, BRAIN Biotech, Tropical Viticulture Consultants, Zukunftsweine, and Provadis Hochschule have embarked upon the "SusBev" project. Commenced early this year with funding from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, this innovative endeavor aims to produce non-alcoholic beverages using agriculturally derived side streams. This project aligns with Germany's National Research Strategy Bioeconomy 2030.

The collaborative effort focuses on utilizing vine leaves from new grape varieties, which are climate-adapted and less prone to fungal diseases, thereby requiring reduced pesticide usage. These underutilized resources, characterized by their wine-like flavor profile, serve as foundation for the venture. The initiative not only expands current agricultural product utilization but promises environmental benefits through reduced waste and pesticide dependency.

Supported by a life cycle analysis and technical-economic study, the project seeks not just to innovate beverage production but also assesses its environmental impact meticulously. Through leveraging expertise in biotechnology, winemaking, and sustainability, the consortium aims to introduce novel, healthy, and sustainable beverage options to the market. This initiative signifies a promising step towards the integration of sustainable practices within the beverage industry.