FrieslandCampina and Mondelēz International have announced a new partnership that aims to lower the greenhouse gas emissions of milk production by 14% in the next four years. The collaboration targets accelerating carbon reduction in the food sector.

“Together with our member dairy farmers, we are working toward producing net climate-neutral dairy by 2050 at the latest,” says Sanne Griffioen-Roose, director of farm sustainability at FrieslandCampina.

Mondelēz International highlights milk reduction is part of its green goals.

“Dairy ingredients are important components for our well-known chocolate, biscuit and cheese brands, such as Milka, Cadbury Dairy Milk and Philadelphia, and play a role in our sustainability strategy,” says Vanessa Harrer, senior director marketing and sustainability at Mondelēz Europe. 

“We are proud to invest in a strong partnership in Europe to work closely with our dairy supplier FrieslandCampina, encouraging and supporting their initiatives to measure greenhouse gas reductions and take action to reduce, track and report carbon emissions.”

Reducing emissions
Dairy farmers have a range of options to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the fight against climate change, according to FrieslandCampina.

Some of the best practices include reducing waste in the feed cycle, avoiding excessive soil tillage and using locally sourced protein for their cows. FrieslandCampina’s member dairy farmers also produce green energy, which is then used to power the company’s production facilities.

To measure the impact of these practices, FrieslandCampina uses a data-driven tool called Annual Nutrient Cycling Assessment. This tool tracks the progress of nearly 10,000 member dairy farms and provides them with farm-specific feedback on their carbon footprint and biodiversity indicators.

FrieslandCampina rewards its member dairy farmers with financial premiums based on their performance on climate, biodiversity, pasture grazing, animal health and animal welfare.Furthermore, the company also rewards its member dairy farmers with financial premiums based on their performance on climate, biodiversity, pasture grazing, animal health and animal welfare. The farmers can see in advance how much they can earn by improving their sustainability results.

“FrieslandCampina’s approach is to measure, act and monitor,” highlights Griffioen-Roose.

“By collaborating with Mondelēz International, we can reward our farmers for their hard work and realize greenhouse gas reductions while also investing in programs to improve sustainability at the farms continuously.”

Consumers want greener milk?
According to Innova Market Insights, environmental concerns and ethical reasons are the sixth most important reason consumers consume non-dairy milk. Moreover, it is only the 15th most important reason that influences the purchasing decision when buying traditional milk.

However, companies have also to consider and stick to their medium and long-term sustainability pledges.

Mondelēz International recently announced it is turning to solar energy in Poland to offset the electricity-related carbon footprint of eight of its domestic factories.

The company is also expanding and accelerating its wheat sustainability regenerative agriculture program, “Harmony.”

Meanwhile, FrieslandCampina, DSM and Agrifirm recently collaborated to implement the world’s first large-scale use of Bovaer, a methane-reducing feed additive for cattle, on over 158 farms.