Sustainability for Dairy & Dairy Alternatives: Is it possible?
Sustainability for Dairy & Dairy Alternatives: Is it possible?
The dairy industry is often seen as unsustainable. Critics argue that cows produce emissions, are at risk of genetic modification, and are a challenge to ecological diversity. However, improvements are happening across the industry. Dairy farmers are becoming more environmentally conscious, and dairy alternatives are becoming more popular. So, is dairy sustainable? The answer is yes – but it’s not perfect.
Improvements in the dairy industry
Feed innovation
Adding different extracts and/or supplements to cow feed may help cut emissions. Mootral has developed a supplement that has reduced emissions by 38%.
Regenerative agriculture
Working with, rather than against nature makes sense because it helps build soil health, which reduces the need for inputs like water and fertiliser. Mob grazing, soil carbon programs, and a variety of cropping systems are just a few examples of how farms are employing new methods.
Packaging Waste Reduction
Dairies are experimenting with new ways to package and distribute their products, such as reducing the size of packaging and using natural alternatives like seaweed to create recyclable packaging. They’re also going back to old-fashioned glass bottle techniques.
Carbon Reduction
The dairy industry is responsible for 3.4% of global carbon emissions. The sector is making efforts to be more sustainable with the aim to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Dairy is not alone in the fight for sustainability
Learn how Dairy alternatives are under similar pressures from critics in terms of deforestation and other environmental impacts. Download the recent deep dive presentation from Hamish to learn and how the dairy alternative industry is working toward carbon neutrality, including BCorp certifications.
For expert advice on your dairy and dairy alternative business, or on BCorp certification, get in touch with Hamish at hamish@hra-global.com
