Chipotle’s Cultivate Next Fund backs innovations in Plantible and CH4

Chipotle Mexican Grill has announced minority investments in two pioneering companies, Plantible and CH4 Global, through its Cultivate Next venture fund. These investments aim to support the development of cutting-edge technologies in plant-based proteins and sustainable cattle feed, aligning with Chipotle’s mission to 'Cultivate a Better World'.

Launched in 2022, Cultivate Next provides early-stage funding to companies that align with Chipotle’s long-term vision of food system innovation. The fund supports solutions that address sustainability challenges and contribute to the company’s growth plans, which include operating 7,000 restaurants across North America.

Founded in 2018, Plantible has developed a vertically integrated manufacturing platform to produce Rubi Protein™, a plant-based protein derived from Lemna, commonly known as duckweed. Rubi Protein mimics the taste, texture, and functional properties of animal-based proteins, offering a versatile and allergen-friendly alternative for food manufacturers.

By leveraging the aquatic growth of duckweed, Plantible’s process minimizes water usage through recirculation and reduces carbon emissions, creating a sustainable and efficient production system. The company’s protein can replace synthetic emulsifiers and binders in food products, meeting the industry’s growing demand for cleaner, healthier ingredients.

“Plantible’s vertically integrated and traceable supply chain aligns with our commitment to ingredient transparency and Food with Integrity standards,” said Curt Garner, Chief Customer & Technology Officer at Chipotle. “Investing in a like-minded venture that strives to transform the global food supply could help the entire industry unlock new opportunities for plant-based menu offerings.”CH4 Global is addressing one of agriculture’s most pressing challenges—methane emissions from cattle. The company’s flagship product, Methane Tamer, is a feed additive made from Asparagopsis seaweed that can reduce enteric methane emissions by up to 90%.

In addition to reducing methane output, the seaweed-based additive improves the feed efficiency of cattle by limiting the energy lost during methane production in their rumens. This not only enhances growth rates and milk production but also reduces the overall environmental impact of livestock farming.

“As we all work toward the goal of minimizing global greenhouse gas emissions, it’s vital for us to invest in companies like CH4 Global that are engineering scalable solutions to reduce harmful global emissions,” commented Christian Gammill, Cultivate Next Fund Manager. “Our investment in CH4 Global will help the team scale production of Methane Tamer to meet its current outstripped demand.”

Chipotle’s investments in Plantible and CH4 Global reflect a broader commitment to addressing critical environmental and nutritional challenges within the food industry. Both companies align with the sustainability goals of Chipotle’s Cultivate Next fund, which includes other innovative ventures such as Meati Foods, GreenField Robotics, and Zero Acre Farms.

By supporting solutions that improve sustainability and efficiency, Chipotle is fostering innovation that extends beyond its own operations. These partnerships aim to drive systemic change, encouraging the adoption of technologies that can benefit the entire food system.

Chipotle’s focus on investing in technologies that balance sustainability and functionality underscores its dedication to transforming the global food industry. With ventures like Plantible and CH4 Global, the company is helping to shape a future where food production is more sustainable, nutritious, and aligned with consumer values.