10181900Brew-Up: Brewers Spent Grain for Resource Efficiency and UpcyclingClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKThe **Brew-Up** project will explore how the UK's brewing industry can transform one of its largest by-products---brewers' spent grain (BSG)---into valuable, sustainable materials that support the transition to a circular economy. More than 500,000 tonnes of BSG are produced every year in the UK. At present, most of this material is used as low-value animal feed, sent to anaerobic digestion, or disposed of to landfill. These routes provide limited economic return and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. BSG is rich in protein, fibre and lignin, making it a promising feedstock for new bio-based products. The Brew-Up project will test the feasibility of an **integrated biorefinery approach** that separates BSG into three useful product streams: **1: Protein** concentrate that could be used in functional foods, animal feed and nutritional supplements. **2: Fibre** suitable for applications such as bakery ingredients, moulded packaging and recycled paper. **3: Lignin** extract with potential use in bio-based coatings, adhesives and as a sustainable alternative to persistent chemicals. The innovative aspects of this project will ensure that the focus is on producing **multiple high-value outputs** from a single process, rather than relying on one end use. The project will explore a critical question regarding the influence of BSG characteristics (e.g. particle size, solvent:biomass ratio) on a combination of sustainable processing methods, including enzymatic treatments, green solvents and mechanical separation, to maximise recovery of each component. This integrated approach aims to ensure that nothing is wasted and that every part of the grain is put to productive use. Alongside the technical work, the project will assess the environmental and economic benefits of BSG valorisation. This includes understanding how new products can reduce reliance on imported soy protein, wood pulp and petrochemical-based materials. By creating local supply chains, the project could help cut transport emissions, improve resource security and generate new revenue opportunities for UK breweries and manufacturers. The Brew-Up project also supports wider national goals. It aligns with the UK's commitment to achieve **net zero carbon emissions by 2050**, reduce waste and promote sustainable manufacturing. By demonstrating the potential of BSG as a renewable raw material, the project will contribute to the growth of the UK's bio-based economy and highlight how traditional industries can innovate to meet modern environmental challenges. In summary, Brew-Up will turn a plentiful by-product into a valuable resource, creating benefits for the economy, the environment and society.