February 25, 2021

 

Emmi sets new sustainability targets and a netZERO 2050 vision

 

Emmi has announced progress towards its sustainability goals and raises the bar with new targets including water usage reduction.

 

Beyond further lowering its environmental impacts, the Swiss milk processor is also expanding its goal to drive sustainable milk production and positive change in the global dairy eco-system. It is including new reduction targets across its entire value chain and turning to a science-based emissions reduction pathway. These commitments are evidence of Emmi's belief that long-term success is dependent on sustainable growth and collective action, the company said.

 

Emmi has shown good progress on its 2020 sustainability goals, with over 93% of its Swiss milk processed according to the swissmilk green standard, emissions cut by 24% and waste reduced by 10%. All its global milk suppliers would produce to the Development of the Swiss Industry Standard.

 

Drawing on its legacy and based on its responsible business model, Emmi is stepping up its sustainability efforts with new 2027 targets. To ensure future generations get to enjoy the goodness of dairy, Emmi is embracing a netZERO 2050 vision in line with the goal of the 2015 UN Paris Agreement to limit global warming.

 

The company has set targets across five key areas: sustainable milk, employee development, reducing emissions, reducing waste and reducing water use. It is committing to set Science Based Targets (SBTi) for reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain (Scopes 1, 2 & 3). It aims to achieve a 60% reduction of on-site greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (scope 1 & 2 - baseline 2014) and 25% reduction of GHG emissions along the value chain (scope 3 - baseline 2019).

 

Further, Emmi want to ahieve a 50% reduction of water use in risk areas and 15% reduction of water use in non-risk areas.

 

"Our long-term success is dependent on sustainable growth and a healthy planet. As an important player in the dairy industry, we aim to positively influence our sector, balancing economic, social and ecological aspects while stepping up our own sustainable practices," said Urs Riedener, CEO of Emmi Group. "That's why we are setting ambitious new targets on sustainably sourced milk and emissions reductions all along our value chain while committing to Science Based Targets.

 

"Importantly, we are also turning to a netZERO 2050 vision, helping us preserve the goodness of dairy for future generations while continuing to generate value in rural communities."

 

To reduce emissions, Emmi has extended the procurement of green electricity certificates to cover all its facilities worldwide since the beginning of 2021.

 

In the coming years, further investments from Emmi will be made in energy efficiency, the switch to renewable heat sources and the on-site production of renewable electricity.

As over 90% of Emmi's carbon footprint originate outside the company's own operations with milk production being a key contributor, Emmi will expand its engagement with dairy farmers, suppliers and other partners along its value chain to lower impacts, the company said. 

 

"Our goal is clear – in order to prevent irreversible social and environmental damage of climate change, we must act now to reduce our emissions and reach our netZERO 2050 vision," said Gerold Schatt, head of sustainability at Emmi Group. "While we don't have all the solutions and tools in place yet, we are confident to co-create the systemic change needed via collective action with our milk suppliers, partners and the scientific community as well as our consumers and customers."

 

- Emmi