PureField Ingredients, a domestic manufacturer of wheat protein (vital wheat gluten) in the U.S., and serving the food, biofuel and animal nutrition industries, has received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approval to begin permanent geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide from its Russell, Kansas, U.S., operations.
The EPA approval clears the way for the company to launch what it calls an integrated food, fuel and carbon platform. Following final commissioning, PureField will begin carbon capture and sequestration operations at the site.
PureField markets vital wheat gluten under the Heartland brand. The ingredient offers high elasticity and binding properties, and is used in pet food. The company says its domestic production addresses a supply gap in a market where imports currently account for roughly 70% of U.S. demand.
The Russell facility processes Kansas-grown wheat into functional ingredients, converts residual wheat starch into ethanol and animal feed, and captures CO2 produced during fermentation for permanent underground storage.
"This is a defining moment for PureField to meet our commitment to serve Kansas farmers and our customers in the U.S. and around the world," said Aaron Buettner, CEO of PureField Ingredients. "By combining our advanced, wheat-based feedstock with carbon capture and permanent storage, we are creating a structurally advantaged platform that delivers some of the lowest carbon fuels in the world while simultaneously producing essential food ingredients."
The company says the carbon capture addition positions its ethanol pathway among the lowest carbon-intensity fuels in the market, with potential to achieve net-zero or net-negative carbon intensity under applicable methodologies.
PureField also says the operation supports demand for approximately 20 million bushels of Kansas wheat and sorghum annually.
"With CCS in place, PureField will be able to deliver more sustainable products at scale, while reinforcing our commitment to Russell and the surrounding region," Buettner said. "It strengthens our position as a long-term employer, supports local agriculture, and creates a foundation for continued growth and investment — driven by the dedication and capabilities of our team."
