Vancouver-based plant-based dairy company, The Planting Hope Co., announced that its flagship brand, Hope and Sesame® Sesame Milk, earned the Upcycled Food Association (UFA) certification, making it the first plant milk in the world to earn the certification. 

The certification allows the company to use the Upcycled Certified™ seal on its packaging and marketing materials.

Analyst QuickTake : Food and beverage companies are increasingly turning to upcycling as a way to engage in circular systems and lessen their impact on the environment. Upcycling uses leftover food, visually flawed produce (which is difficult to market due to color or appearance), surplus food, and food byproducts to generate new products, thereby reducing the negative effects of food waste. Upcycling has been included in Whole Foods Market's Top 10 Food Trends for 2023 . The Upcycled Certified Scheme is the first independent certification program in the world for items and ingredients used in upcycled foods. Certification on packages helps retailers market their products better, while providing consumers the opportunity to identify upcycled products and reduce food waste through their purchases.