Moo’ving Dairy Forward: Mars Launches Initiative to Reduce Carbon Footprint
Snacking, food, and pet care products provider Mars announced today the launch of “Moo’ving Dairy Forward,” a new initiative aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of its dairy sourcing, backed by $47 million of investment over three years.
Background
The new initiative follows the launch by Mars last year of a series of new climate-related goals, including a target to cut carbon emissions across its full value chain in half by 2030, in addition to a commitment to invest over $1 billion over the next three years to drive climate action.
Focus Areas
- Improving feed ingredients and introducing new ingredients into feed to reduce methane production from cows
- Pursuing manure management projects
- Targeting feed production with regenerative agricultural practices to improve the sustainability of dairy feed crops
Collaborations and Initiatives
- Mars partnered with Germany’s DMK Group to launch three pilot “net zero” dairy farms
- Mars partnered with Dutch-based dairy cooperative FrieslandCampina on a Sustainable Dairy Development Program
- Mars partnered with Fonterra and Sea Forest to explore sourcing from their SEAFEED seaweed food supplement trial which reduces methane produced from cows’ digesting
- Mars is launching one of the first and largest Bovaer feed additive projects in Poland, working with Interfood and Mlekovita
Statement from Amanda Davies, Chief R&D, Procurement and Sustainability Officer, Mars Snacking
“Doing our part to keep our planet healthy is an absolute non-negotiable for us at Mars. But our vision for more sustainable dairy will only become a reality with the support and actions of farmers and our suppliers. Which is why, as part of our Moo’ving Dairy Forward Sustainable Dairy Plan, we’re putting millions of dollars directly back into the pockets of farmers through our contracts to help them make climate smart changes to the way they farm. Together, I know that we can forge a path that helps address climate change head on and contributes to reshaping our wider industry for a more sustainable future.”
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Sustainable Development Goal: Climate Action (SDG 13)
– Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
– Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into their national policies, strategies, and planning.
The article mentions Mars’ commitment to cut carbon emissions across its full value chain in half by 2030. This aligns with SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Mars’ initiative to reduce the carbon footprint of its dairy sourcing is a specific action towards this target. The article also mentions Mars’ partnership with dairy producers to improve feed ingredients and introduce new ingredients into feed that help reduce methane production from cows, which is a measure to mitigate climate change.
2. Sustainable Development Goal: Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
– Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
– Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP.
The article highlights that raw ingredients account for over 70% of Mars’ total GHG emissions, with dairy as a significant contributor. Mars’ efforts to improve the sustainability of dairy feed crops and pursue regenerative agricultural practices align with SDG 12, which aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
3. Sustainable Development Goal: Life on Land (SDG 15)
– Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats.
– Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index.
Although not explicitly mentioned in the article, Mars’ initiative to improve the sustainability of dairy feed crops and partner with farmers to develop emission-reducing pilot technologies can contribute to reducing the degradation of natural habitats. This aligns with SDG 15, which focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into their national policies, strategies, and planning. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. | Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats. | Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index. |
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Fuente: esgtoday.com
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