Kalsec and 2nd Nature Partner on AI Ingredient Sourcing

The companies are collaborating to test AI-driven identification of sustainable agricultural ingredients.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Nutrition

Isometric editorial illustration of agricultural grains and herbs on a steel surface, symbolizing AI-driven food ingredient analysis. — Kalsec and 2nd Nature have partnered to use AI-driven analysis to identify sustainable ingredient opportunities within food processing agricultural side streams. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Kalamazoo-based Kalsec and tech firm 2nd Nature have launched a collaboration to explore new natural ingredient sourcing opportunities. The partnership will utilize 2nd Nature's award-winning AgWastePortal AI platform to identify potential value in food processing side streams.

Why it matters

By applying advanced AI to agricultural side streams, the partnership aims to determine the feasibility of new, scalable ingredient sources. This evaluation tests critical business assumptions regarding availability and cost effectiveness in the global supply chain.

Kalsec brings over 65 years of experience to the evaluation process, which tests variables including ingredient performance and scalability. The companies will assess the AgWastePortal platform, an AI tool recognized in TIME's 2026 Best Inventions list.

The players

Kalsec

A Kalamazoo-based company that develops natural ingredients for the food and beverage industry.

2nd Nature

A food-tech firm recognized for its innovative platforms in agricultural and food systems.

The details

The companies intend to use the AI platform to map agricultural ingredients and identify untapped processing side streams. This process evaluates technical and economic metrics to decide if specific opportunities are worth pursuing further.

1958: Kalsec was founded.
2025: 2nd Nature was named a food-tech innovator by FoodNavigator.
2026: TIME named AgWastePortal a Best Invention.
October 28, 2026: Collaboration announced.

Health Landscape

The adoption of the AgWastePortal platform marks a shift in how food manufacturers manage their processing side streams. This partnership follows a pattern set by the use of the AgWastePortal as a tool for increasing efficiency in agricultural supply chains.

For the consumer, this partnership may eventually result in more sustainable or cost-effective food products derived from previously underutilized ingredients. Residents and those following industry trends should look for future announcements regarding successful ingredient identification.

The takeaway

This collaboration highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence in maximizing resource efficiency within the food production sector. Companies are increasingly turning to data-mapping tools to bridge the gap between waste management and ingredient innovation.