Muntons unveil lowest-carbon Climate Positive Malt: enabling craft brewers to reach sustainability goals
- Malt, as a raw material, accounts for c.22% CO2 emissions of a litre of craft beer.
- Muntons’ Climate Positive Malt offers up to 30% lower carbon emissions per tonne compared to UK malt average.
- Climate Positive Malt launches at BeerX 2025 in Liverpool tomorrow.
Muntons, a global leader in sustainable malt production, is redefining the future of brewing with its Climate Positive Malt — the UK’s lowest carbon malt for the craft brewing industry, launching tomorrow at Beer X 2025.
For over 20 years, Muntons has embedded sustainability into every stage of its malt production, cutting on-site emissions by more than 60%.
Now, through regenerative agriculture methods and collaborative processes, the Suffolk-based business is actively helping reduce on-farm emissions and supporting farming ecosystems, including through changing fertiliser use, low (or no) till farming and cover crop planting.
“Malt, as a raw material, accounts for around 22% CO2 emissions of a litre of craft beer,” says Mark Tyldesley, Muntons managing director, “And the biggest proportion (59%) of the carbon footprint for traditional maltings comes from growing of barley.”
Climate Positive Malt: up to 30% lower carbon emissions
Muntons’ Climate Positive Malt offers up to 30% lower CO2 emissions per tonne compared to UK malt average. This significant achievement comes from a combination of low-carbon maltings and sustainable barley farming practices, helping brewers meet rising consumer demand for more eco-conscious products and businesses.
“We have a responsibility to show leadership in our sector, to keep pushing sustainability challenges, and make a real impact on the environment, while also helping our customers,” adds Mark.
“By championing regenerative agriculture methods such as cover cropping, low/no till farming, crop rotation, and reduced pesticide and fertiliser use, we’re partnering with farmers in enhancing soil health, sequestering carbon and boosting biodiversity – all while delivering a high-quality malt product.”
Muntons believe that real sustainability progress comes from collaboration. By working closely with British farmers, brewers and industry partners, the 104-year-old business is building a more resilient and low-carbon supply chain, ensuring that malt – the foundation of great beers in the UK and around the world – continues to be of the highest quality, and is continually improving sustainability-wise.
With the key markets of Millennials and Gen X prioritising craft beer brands with strong sustainability credentials*, brewers are looking for real solutions to reduce their impact. Muntons’ Climate Positive Malt gives them a tangible way to cut emissions while maintaining the quality and character their beers are known for,” continues Mark.
Collaborating for a carbon-neutral brewing industry
“Sustainability isn’t a side project for us, it’s at the heart of everything we do. Our work with our partner farmers and regenerative agriculture is a game-changer, reducing malt’s carbon footprint while improving the land for future generations.”
Driven by a steadfast commitment to sustainability, Muntons has already cut its on-site emissions (Scope 1 emissions from directly controlled assets and Scope 2 energy purchasing) by over 60% since 2010, and is now setting new benchmarks through regenerative agriculture and Climate Positive Malt, working with British farmers to reduce emissions at source (Scope 3 – suppliers to Muntons).
As the beer industry, like many others, races toward net-zero emissions, Muntons remains at the forefront, providing brewers and farmers with the tools and ingredients needed to turn climate challenges into climate solutions.
For more information on Muntons’ Climate Positive Malt and its regenerative agriculture initiatives, visit www.muntons.com/sustainability/all-good/.
