In 2024, we were so excited to be named Massachusetts Sustainable Business of the Year by the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts. As a small, misson-driven mill this recognition is big to us, because sustainability isn't a side project, it's a priority. You could say we bake it into everything we do...
Here's how we're working to reduce waste, reduce emissions, and build a more regenerative food system, one bag of flour at a time.
We Take Recycling Into Our Own Hands
We don't leave it to chance. All of our cardboard is personally transported to a specialized recycling facility in Holyoke, Sonoco Products. By taking this extra step we ensure that our cardboard is properly repurposed and processed. Despite the extra time and effort, it's the kind of detail that matters to us.
100% Recyclable Packaging
Every bag of flour we package and ship comes in fully recyclable and compostable packaging, right down to the tape. We avoid plastic wherever possible and choose materials that are both functional and planet-friendly.
Our Delivery Vehicles Are 100% Electric
We have not one but two delivery vehicles that run on 100% electric power, helping us reduce our carbon footprint as we bring flour to bakeries, stores, and homes across the region. It's quiet, efficient, and one more way we're investing in a cleaner future.
If you're interested in our electric deliveries you can check our delivery schedule here.
Hydro Powered Facilities
Our facilities run on 100% renewable hydroelectric energy. Our building sits directly on one of Holyoke's historical canals, with a hydro turbine passing right through it, converting flowing water into clean, renewable energy. This means our equipment, our EV charger all run on hydro power rather than fossil fuels.
Sourcing from Regenerative Farms
Unlike many national flour brands (which are often just that, brands), we know exactly where our grain comes from. We at Ground Up chose to partner with farmers, for example Granite Grains who grow organic crops, rotate crops, and actively rebuild soil health. These relationships are the foundation of everything we do.
We Teach, Share, and Build Community
Through our baking classes, field trips, blog posts, and events, we bring people into the grain system, from field to flour. We believe sustainability includes community, transparency, and education.
Why It Matters
Slour doesn't have to be anonymous. It doesn't have to be industrial. And it definitely doesn't have to come from the same mega-systems that overlook farmers, soil, and sustainability.
We are different from other flour brands intentionally. We're not just a brand. We're a mill. We're friends. We're family. And together we want to bring awareness and excitement to sustainable practices.
If you're interested in supporting us check out our flour or sign up for a class.
