Kellogg’s launches hydrogen-powered cereal in industry first

The cereal giant’s three week demonstration was funded by the government’s £55m HyNet Industrial Fuel Switching programme, and comes as part of its £1bn Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP).

It saw fossil fuel gas replaced with hydrogen to power the toasting oven, producing cereal for popular brands such as Corn Flakes, Bran Flakes, Special K and Rice Krispies. It is the first food manufacturer in the country to produce cereal using this method.

The initiative follows parent company Kellanova’s selection to receive £3 million funding from the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero in 2023.

The food manufacturer said the demonstration showed the role that hydrogen can play to support industry decarbonisation, and illustrates its commitment to reducing greenhouse emissions.

Kellogg’s vice president of manufacturing Sam Bistiaux described the initiative as “exciting” and said it was a “significant moment” that demonstrates the potential of investing in low carbon fuels to drive decarbonisation.

Bistiaux added: “We are excited to be at the pioneering edge of this process, with the technology still in its infancy, and the long-term potential truly transformative.

“As we look to continue reducing our carbon footprint, we hope that sharing examples of best practice and learnings from the demonstration can equip other businesses with the confidence and know-how to do the same, so that we can take urgent and collective action towards a greener future.”

Last May, Kellogg’s shut its 90-year old Trafford Park factory in Manchester, with managing director Chris SIlcock calling the facility “not viable”, and having a “legacy manufacturing process.”

In August, parent company Kellanova was bought by confectionery giant Mars in a deal worth more than £22bn.