18 May 2026
The era of sustainability as a branding or marketing technique is long over. [1] Today, it is about concrete results. This article outlines why business as usual is no longer viable when it comes to a resilient supply chain, and how Puratos’s new commitment to regenerative agriculture aims to help reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions.
The hidden risk in your wheat supply
We are entering a time where the greatest threat to a bakery business isn't a new competitor, but a fragile supply chain. [2] Did you know that global wheat yields would be approximately 10% higher today if not for the direct impact of climate change? [3] That 10% represents lost grain, but also rising costs, unpredictable margins, and extreme market volatility.
Over the past 33 years, disasters have cost global agriculture $3.26 trillion in lost production, including 4.6 billion tonnes of cereals. [4] We are seeing extreme weather, from droughts to floods, increasingly becoming a recurring disruption to raw material security. [5]
Why should we pay attention to these figures? Relying solely on intensive, traditional farming is becoming risky, as it often leaves soil compacted and “closed” – acting like concrete that drowns crops during floods and dries them out during droughts. In contrast, healthy soil acts like a sponge, absorbing and holding the moisture wheat needs to survive extreme weather. [6]
At Puratos, we know that if the soil isn't healthy, your supply chain isn't safe, and it becomes increasingly exposed to disruption. [7,8] Currently, one-third of global soils are already degraded, yet these soils are responsible for 95% of our food production. [14]
This is why moving forward, Puratos is focusing on regenerative agriculture as a key sustainability commitment.
Why regenerative agriculture, now?
As detailed in the latest Sustainability Report, Puratos has officially reached 100% carbon neutrality across global operations, and achieved a 46% reduction in carbon emissions over the last decade. [9] But we aren't stopping at carbon. To protect the foundation of our industry, we have committed to transitioning 50% of our global flour volumes (and 100% in the EU) to regenerative agriculture by 2030.
This commitment is supported by our dedicated regenerative agriculture policy, defining how we scale this transition from the field to your supply chain. Explore our approach here
Last year, we’ve already successfully integrated regeneratively grown cereals into our Sapore sourdough range across Belgium, the UK, and Türkiye. We hope this serves as inspiration and proof that a sustainable transition is possible right now, at scale.
For the 2025 harvest, we have also committed to sourcing regeneratively grown wheat at scale across key markets including the US, UK, the Netherlands, and Belgium – marking an important step in turning this approach into operational reality.
This transition is designed to help strengthen long-term supply stability – so your production is less exposed to climate-related disruptions over time. We are securing supply so that in 10, 20, and 50 years, high-quality grain remains available and your production lines remain steady.
With the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) now in effect in the EU [10], companies must report on Scope 3 (supply chain) impacts. Securing a regenerative wheat supply isn't just about protecting the planet, it’s also about protecting your license to operate in an increasingly regulated global market.
What’s the business value of a resilient supply chain?
Regenerative agriculture is, at its core, a sophisticated risk-management tool. By implementing specific practices (such as covering crops, reducing tillage, optimizing inputs and diversifying rotations [9]) farmers nurture soil that is significantly more resilient to climate shock.
These methods help improve the soil’s ability to absorb excess water during heavy rainfall and retain moisture during dry periods.
For a baker or food manufacturer, this translates into more stable access to key raw materials over time. By strengthening soil resilience, these practices can help reduce exposure to price volatility and supply disruptions linked to climate events. At the same time, market research shows that consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for products associated with soil health or regenerative agriculture, [11,12] which creates opportunities to respond to evolving consumer expectations.
Turning regenerative agriculture into a competitive advantage
The most significant hurdle in any sustainability transition is operational complexity – the fear that changing your sourcing means reinventing your products. This is where Puratos’s R&D expertise becomes key. We have spent years validating how regenerative grains/flour perform in professional sourdoughs.
Our tailored sustainable solutions, such as Sapore Lavida or Sapore Sally, allow you to offer a story of restoration without massively changing recipes, or your production process.
Learn more about our Sapore range, and how we’re nurturing soil today for better bread tomorrow.
Beyond the environmental and social impact, regenerative practices are increasingly being investigated for their potential association with nutrient density (e.g. boron, magnesium, calcium, and zinc [13]), which could provide a functional boost to your baked creations.
Furthermore, by working towards other sustainable commitments, we’re supporting your sustainability efforts. By leveraging our 2025 milestone of 100% carbon neutrality in our direct operations (Scope 1 and 2), you are sourcing from a partner that actively lowers your Scope 3 footprint. We’ve completed the calculation, operational optimization, and testing so you can focus on what you do best: your craft.
Partner with Puratos for a better future
At Puratos, we offer more than just regenerative agriculture supporting sourdough, we offer a partnership. As a strategic partner in the bakery supply chain, we connect sustainable solutions with artisanal expertise, bringing specialized knowledge to your business.
Consumer insights: We leverage Taste Tomorrow, the world’s largest bakery, patisserie, and chocolate consumer research program, to help you turn trends and data into a brand story consumers respond to.
Regulatory support: We can support you in providing data for CSRD and Scope 3 reporting, taking the guesswork out of your sustainability compliance.
Tailored solutions: Our global network of over 120+ Innovation Centers works with you to ensure regenerative flours/grains perform on your specific production lines.
Sustainability is a collective effort, and last year’s milestones have shown that intentional, calculated changes lead to a big impact. Our journey toward a regenerative future is well underway, but the most important part of that journey is our partnership with you.
Download our 2025 Sustainability Report to see the full data-backed breakdown of our 2030 regenerative agriculture roadmap, and contact your local Puratos representative to explore how we can move the planet forward by creating innovative food solutions for the health and well-being of people everywhere.
REFERENCES
- ICC Netherlands: Sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a business imperative
- Baking Business: Supply chain becomes No. 1 issue for many bakeries
- Carbon Brief: Global wheat yields would be ‘10%’ higher without climate change
- FAO: Disasters cost global agriculture $3.26 trillion over three decades, FAO report reveals
- The Guardian: How climate breakdown is putting the world’s food in peril – in maps and charts
- KCAS: Regenerative Farming vs. Traditional Farming: Cultivating the Future
- FAO: Learning from FAO projects on land and soils
- Heinrich Boll Stiftung: Soil degradation: the silent global crisis
- Puratos: 2025 Sustainability GRI Report
- ReFlow: CSRD and Scope 3 Emissions: Why Supply Chain Data Is No Longer Optional
- Puris: 90% of Consumers Will Pay More for Regenerative Agriculture Products — But Can’t Find Them
- FoodNavigator USA: What is driving consumer interest in regenerative agriculture?
- Center For Food As Medicine & Longevity: The Nutritional Advantages of Regenerative Agriculture
- FAO: FAO highlights the vital role of soil: 95 percent of our food is directly produced on soils
