Briess Malt & Ingredients Co. has been named a 2018 Business Friend of the Environment by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. The award recognizes companies that demonstrate an innovative approach to environmental protection, and that go above and beyond regulatory compliance. Briess is one of nine Wisconsin businesses to receive the recognition.

“These companies have shown that Wisconsin’s business community is committed to sustainability efforts and the future of our state,” said Lucas Vebber, WMC General Counsel and Director of Environmental & Energy Policy. Each of the winners demonstrate that sound environmental practices are not only good for Wisconsin’s environment and its economy, but they also serve as important examples for industry, according to the WMC.

Briess received the recognition for its Seed to Specialty sustainability program which focuses on the environment, communities and people from seed to finished product. Briess is a fifth-generation, family owned business that produces specialty malts and other natural, specialty ingredients for beer, beverage, food and pet food products.

“We laid the foundation for the Briess Seed to Specialty Sustainability Program about five years ago with several strategic supply chain acquisitions,” Briess President Ryan O’Toole said. “The acquisitions secured a consistent source of barley that also meets our quality and environmental expectations.”

By consolidating the bulk of Briess barley production in a unique barley growing region, Briess sources barley that is being produced and transported with less environmental impact. Other environmental initiatives undertaken by Briess include centralized warehousing to lessen transportation needs, turning waste streams into compost and energy, and installing energy efficient lighting, heat recovery systems, and energy control devices throughout plants.

“As an ag-centric business dedicated to natural processes and products, Briess believes it is our inherent responsibility to be a good steward of resources,” O’Toole added.

Briess operates in four communities including Chilton, Manitowoc and Waterloo, Wisconsin; and Park County, Wyoming. Community initiatives include continued public use of riverfront property in Manitowoc, ongoing support of the Wisconsin Peregrine Falcon Recovery Project at the Briess Manitowoc elevator nest site, and a history of supporting local non-profit organizations, businesses, emergency services and government units.

The awards were presented on Monday, August 6, at WMC’s Policy Day in Madison, Wisc. According to the WMC, award winners represent companies in each category size—small, medium and large.

2018 Business Friend of the Environment Award Winners:

SUSTAINABILITY
Briess Malt & Ingredients Co.
RenewAire
Expera Specialty Solutions

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Masters Food Gallery
Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association
Ariens Company

ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATION
Evinrude BRP US Inc.
Ivec Systems, LLC
Mercury Marine