Chipotle Mexican Grill announced two new investments in sustainable food-focused startups, including plant-based protein company Plantible, and livestock methane emissions reduction solution provider CH4 Global.

The new investments are being made through  Chipotle’s CULTIVATE NEXT venture fund, launched by the company in 2022 and focused on early-stage investments that advance a mission to “Cultivate a Better World,” and support long-term restaurant growth. Originally funded at $50 million, Chipotle committed an additional $50 million to the fund in early 2024, bringing the fund to $100 million.

Founded in 2018, Plantible has developed a manufacturing platform to produce “Rubi Protein” from Lemna, more commonly known as duckweed. Plantible’s Rubi Protein product mimics the quality, taste, and texture of popular animal-based proteins and can replace synthetic emulsifiers and binders. According to Chipotle, the protein manufacturing process limits fresh water usage through recirculation and minimizes carbon emissions through a highly-efficient growing process.

Curt Garner, Chief Customer and Technology Officer at Chipotle, said:

“Plantible’s vertically integrated and traceable supply chain aligns with our commitment to ingredient transparency and Food with Integrity standards. 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 has developed a feed supplement for cattle utilizing whole, dried Asparagopsis seaweed, with the objective of reducing methane emissions from cattle by 90%. In addition to slashing methane output, Asparagopsis may reduce the feed energy lost to methane production inside the rumen area of their stomachs, so cattle could get more energy and nutrition from the same amount of food, the company said. The investment will help CH4 Global globally scale its Methane Tamer product.

Agriculture has emerged as a major focus area for climate action, as the sector accounts for a significant proportion of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and is among the most difficult areas in which to address climate impact. According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, total emissions from global livestock represent 14.5% of all anthropogenic GHG emissions.

Christian Gammill, Cultivate Next Fund Manager, said:

“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. Our investment in CH4 Global will help the team scale production of Methane Tamer to meet its current outstripped demand.”

Chipotle’s Cultivate Next venture fund portfolio has invested in numerous other companies addressing the environmental impact of the agricultural sector, among them robotics solution company Greenfield Robotics, and low emissions fertilizer producer Nitricity. In addition, Chipotle has launched an all-electric restaurant design, utilizing 100% renewable energy to reduce emissions from energy use, and designed to maximize energy efficiency in its equipment and systems. Chipotle has a climate goal of cutting absolute emissions in half across its entire value chain by 2030.