DFI Retail and The Mills Fabrica Name Number 8 Bio Winner of Sustainability Innovation Challenge

Why It Matters

Deploying BetterFeed™ in DFI’s extensive supply chains directly tackles Scope 3 emissions, strengthening the resilience and sustainability of Asia’s fast‑growing meat and dairy markets.

Key Takeaways

• BetterFeed™ cuts enteric methane and improves livestock productivity
• Winner receives HK$120,000 (~$15k) grant and DFI pilot access
• DFI’s challenge drew 40+ submissions from five continents
• Pilot will run with major Asian dairy and beef firms
• Initiative supports DFI’s goal to lower Scope 3 emissions

Pulse Analysis

Asia’s rising incomes are driving a surge in meat and dairy consumption, putting pressure on supply chains to curb greenhouse‑gas emissions. Livestock, especially ruminants, accounts for a sizable share of agricultural carbon output, with enteric methane representing both a climate liability and a loss of up to 12% of feed energy. Retail giants like DFI Retail Group are therefore turning to science‑based solutions that can be scaled across their regional networks, positioning themselves as leaders in Scope 3 emissions management.

Number 8 Bio’s BetterFeed™ tackles the problem at its source. The proprietary blend of organic small molecules, free of bromoform, interrupts methane formation in the rumen, redirecting the saved energy into animal growth. Early trials show measurable reductions in methane output while improving feed conversion ratios, delivering a clear financial upside for farmers. By awarding a HK$120,000 (≈$15,000) grant and granting access to DFI’s beef and dairy partners—including Mengniu Dairy and Charoen Pokphand Foods—the program fast‑tracks a real‑world pilot that could set a new benchmark for low‑carbon livestock production in the region.

The broader impact extends beyond a single technology. The DFI Sustainability Innovation Challenge, powered by The Mills Fabrica’s scouting network across 30 countries, attracted more than 40 submissions from five continents, highlighting a robust pipeline of climate‑tech innovations ready for commercial deployment. Continued mentorship, ecosystem connections, and pilot pathways promise to accelerate the scaling of multiple solutions, reinforcing Asia’s transition to resilient, low‑emission food systems and offering investors tangible opportunities in the emerging agri‑tech market.