Biopekárna Zemanka

In recent years, many companies have started adopting circular economy strategies, converting waste into valuable products. However, this approach remains underappreciated in the food industry, despite the richness of nutrients in organic waste. A pioneer in circular food production, Biopekárna Zemanka stands out as an inspiring model in the sector.

“Our main goal is not to maximise profit. For us, ecology, sustainability and ethics come first. My lifelong mission is to prove that sustainable production can work and be self-sufficient. And we have succeeded. We deliver to large Czech chains and abroad, we cooperate with large companies. We show that it is possible to run a sustainable business with a positive impact in the long term, and do it successfully,” said Jan Zeman, owner and Managing Director of Biopekárna Zemanka.

Recognizing the company’s commitment, Generali Česká pojišťovna awarded them second place in the local SME EnterPRIZE competition, which supports sustainable businesses in the Czech Republic. As highlighted by the Head of the competition’s Jury, Helena Továrková, the bakery was honoured for its commitment in circular food production, incorporating byproducts like brewer’s grains, fruit pulps, and coffee grounds into delicious, high-quality food.

Quality and flavour
Located near Sedlčany in Central Bohemia, Biopekárna Zemanka has operated in the Czech market for 17 years. Started by Jan Zeman, who wanted to combine his passion for ecological farming and organic food with the expertise of his mother, who was a trained pastry chef, the bakery started its activity by producing cookies and later expanded to handmade crackers.

A different approach for a circular economy
Biopekárna Zemanka established its first circular economy collaboration in 2020 with Plzeňský Prazdroj (Pilsner Urquell Brewery), repurposing spent grain from beer production to create nutritious Brewery Crackers, with minerals, proteins, vitamins, and fiber. This approach was extended to other major companies, such as the furniture chain IKEA, for which Biopekárna Zemanka bakes cookies using the coffee grounds they provide, or UGO’s fresh bars, which sends the bakery pulp leftover from fruit and vegetable juicing that is used to bake crackers.

In 2022, Biopekárna Zemanka processed a total of 3.2 tons of residual materials, crafting new and delicious products, and preventing the waste of valuable resources.

For more information on the company, visit the website: https://www.biopekarnazemanka.cz/en/