Kellogg’s UK Plant Becomes First to Use Hydrogen for Production

Kellogg’s food production facility in Manchester, UK, has become the country’s first site to use hydrogen as a direct fuel source in its manufacturing operations. The move is part of the company’s wider efforts to reduce carbon emissions across its supply chain.

The hydrogen switch is being made in partnership with Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network. Cadent is piloting industrial fuel switching programs to support manufacturers’ decarbonization goals. The project focuses on replacing natural gas with hydrogen to power Kellogg’s cereal production processes.

In a statement, Kellogg’s said: “By exploring hydrogen as a fuel source, we’re taking an important step toward reducing our manufacturing carbon footprint and supporting broader efforts to create a more sustainable food supply chain.”

The food and beverage industry is under increasing pressure to lower emissions, particularly in energy-intensive production processes. With supply chains accounting for a significant portion of Scope 3 emissions, manufacturers are looking at fuel switching, renewable energy, and energy efficiency projects as critical tools for meeting sustainability targets.

Kellogg’s pilot aligns with the UK government’s push to scale up hydrogen infrastructure as part of its net-zero strategy. If successful, the project could serve as a model for other food manufacturers, both in the UK and globally, who are exploring cleaner energy sources for their supply chain operations.

Industry experts say industrial decarbonization is increasingly becoming a supply chain responsibility, not just a manufacturing concern. Lisa Chai, Co-Founder of Interwoven Ventures, recently said: “Sustainability can’t just be a corporate goal—it has to be built into the supply chain at every level, from sourcing materials to powering facilities.”

Kellogg plans to share the pilot’s findings with industry partners and supply chain leaders, helping others understand the technical challenges and potential benefits of switching to hydrogen fuel.