Valio’s ambitious climate programme consists of concrete actions to cut the carbon footprint of milk to zero by 2035. The challenge is not an easy one, because food production generates emissions that cannot be completely avoided. So, how to cut production chain emissions without offsetting them?
Our goal is to cut the climate impacts of Valio’s milk chain to zero by 2035. Carbon-neutral milk means that at least the same amount of emissions is reduced and removed from the atmosphere as is generated on dairy farms, in transportation, at plants, in the manufacturing of packaging and elsewhere along milk’s journey from the farm to the grocery store. Our work focuses on reducing emissions, not on offsetting them. Valio has set 2019 as the base year for its climate programme; that’s when the emissions calculation was standardised with the international Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
Greenhouse gas emissions from Valio’s operations in Finland in 2022 were about 2.48 million carbon dioxide equivalent tonnes. Raw milk received accounted for 77% of this, energy use at production plants 4% and logistics 2%. The rest of the emissions were related to raw materials used in product production, packaging, waste processing, energy in primary production, personnel travel, and product storage and handling at the grocery store and in consumer homes. In addition to these emissions, farm fields release and bind carbon dioxide, which we have taken into account in a separate carbon balance.
Valio’s climate work is based on the latest domestic and international research data. We follow the recommendations of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol in assessing our climate impact.
In our climate programme, research data is converted into practical actions. We engage in close collaboration with actors in the agricultural, energy and environmental sectors and with various research institutes. Our partners include Natural Resources Institute Finland, Finnish Meteorological Institute, University of Eastern Finland, University of Helsinki, Yara, Atria Tuottajat, and Baltic Sea Action Group.
About 3,700 Finnish dairy farmers own Valio through regional cooperatives. Dairy farmers have a key role in our climate work, as the majority of milk’s carbon footprint is generated on farms. Valio offers financial support, science-based information and collaboration opportunities to support climate-friendly production methods. For example, our new sustainability programme taking effect in May 2023 offers farms financial incentives to reduce their carbon footprint.
The roadmap to carbon-neutral milk sets out the actions, timelines and targets by which to achieve the same level of greenhouse gases generated and sequestrated from milk production in 2035. Together, reducing emissions, a circular economy and carbon sinks will cut milk’s carbon footprint to zero.
RoadmapWe actively support our dairy farmers in the reduction of emissions. We have developed Valio Carbo® Farm Calculator to help each farm measure the carbon footprint of their raw milk. The results of the individual farms are used to estimate the total carbon footprint of the milk received by Valio. The calculation model was developed by Valio and is based on IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) recommendations. The model has been certified by the independent Carbon Trust organisation. In addition to the carbon footprint, the calculator is used to calculate acidification and eutrophication potential.
In 2022 we published a Climate Guide for Dairy Farms (in Finnish and Swedish), which offers comprehensive information and practical guidance on reducing milk’s carbon footprint.
Below we have outlined the emissions reduction targets in percentages and what we are doing to get our milk carbon footprint to zero by 2035.
Emissions reduction target -21%
Just like forests, grass also has the ability to sequester carbon from the atmosphere. More than a quarter of Finnish fields are grasslands. So how we cultivate them does make a difference.
Carbon sequestration of fields can be improved by e.g. increasing the variety of grass species, by increasing the mowing height, and by keeping fields green year-round. Carbon farming measures can also improve yields and the financial profitability of the farm.
What we are doing
What we’ve achieved so far
Emissions reduction target -17%
About half of the greenhouse gases generated by Finland’s agriculture are from peatlands that were swamps or swamp forests drained over decades. Peatlands account for about 10% of Finland’s arable land. To achieve our target of a carbon-neutral milk chain, greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural peatlands must be significantly reduced.
Emissions from peatlands can be reduced with the right farming practices. It is vitally important that we can instruct and support milk producers in farming practices that are more climate-friendly.
What we are doing
What we’ve done so far
Emissions reduction target -13%
Because of its fertilising impact, manure is a valuable raw material for dairy farms, but storing manure generates methane emissions. Methane emissions from stored manure can be reduced by capturing the methane in a biogas plant. Biogas that is refined into biogas for transport use not only reduces emissions in milk production, but also in transportation.
The production of industrial fertilisers used on farms generates carbon dioxide emissions. The industrial fertilisers used in farming can be reduced by processing the manure generated at dairy farms in a biogas plant and by using the nutrients from nutrient-rich processed manure in crop cultivation.
What we are doing
What we’ve done so far
Emissions reduction target -20%
Cow health and welfare are not incompatible with our climate targets – on the contrary. A healthy and thriving cow generates significantly less greenhouse gases per milk litre. Grazing supports the welfare of cows and, at best, can increase the sequestration of carbon dioxide.
Proper feeding and breeding have a significant impact on milk’s carbon footprint. Finnish milk production is based on highly digestible grass forage, which is the natural diet of ruminants. Climate-smart breeding of dairy cattle promotes animal health and sustainability, as well as the production of high-protein and high-fat milk. Breeding can also impact a cow’s ability to use dietary energy efficiently, thereby requiring less feed without compromising animal welfare and production yield.
What we are doing
What we’ve done so far
Emissions reduction target -8%
The energy system’s transition towards renewable and energy-efficient solutions is an essential part of Valio’s climate programme. We continuously invest in the energy efficiency of our factories, and we encourage our dairy farmers to embrace climate-smart energy solutions.
What we are doing
What we’ve done so far
Emissions reduction target -21%
Valio has always been a technology-driven company, and a bold approach to new innovations is part of our strategy. To achieve our net-zero target, we need solutions that will take shape along the way to 2035. We are continuously exploring new opportunities to reduce emissions and sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. We are piloting technologies and bringing new solutions to Finnish milk production.
What we are doing
What we’ve done so far
We are reducing our emissions in line with our climate roadmap. By 2022, Valio Finland’s total emissions had decreased by 10% from year 2019. Our climate targets are science-based.
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