Mars Launches Sustainable Dairy Plan Backed by Multi-Million Dollar Investment
Overview of Mars’ Ambitious Initiative
Mars, Inc. has unveiled an ambitious sustainable dairy plan, “Moo’ving Dairy Forward,” that is bolstered by a $47 million investment over the next three years. This significant financial commitment is part of Mars’ overarching climate strategy, which aims to channel $1 billion over the same period. The initiative focuses on reducing the carbon footprint of the company’s dairy sourcing in line with their target to halve emissions by 2030.
Pathway to Carbon Reduction
The Moo’ving Dairy Forward plan underscores Mars’ renewed dedication to sustainable dairy practices and marks another milestone in the company’s open-source roadmap to achieve “net zero.” The consumer goods leader aims to work collaboratively with key industry partners to implement impactful on-farm interventions targeting crucial areas like enteric methane reduction, efficient manure management, and sustainable feed production.
Strategic Partnership with FrieslandCampina
Central to the Moo’ving Dairy Forward plan is a partnership with FrieslandCampina, one of the world’s largest dairy cooperatives. Together, they will launch the Mars-FrieslandCampina Sustainable Dairy Development Program, creating a dedicated group of farms that will supply Mars’ dairy needs. This program will provide a platform to refine and scale new practices and technologies for broader implementation across the entire cooperative, ultimately contributing to more sustainable dairy production.
Commitment to Innovation
Amanda Davies, Chief R&D, Procurement, and Sustainability Officer at Mars Snacking, emphasized the company’s unwavering commitment to reducing its environmental impact. “Keeping our planet healthy is a non-negotiable for us,” she remarked. Davies highlighted the importance of working directly with farmers to implement climate-smart changes and underscored Mars’ pledge to invest millions of dollars in these partnerships. By working closely with suppliers, Davies believes Mars can spearhead change and reshape the industry for a sustainable future.
Pilot Farms and Technological Advancements
To advance its vision for net-zero dairy, Mars has also established three pilot farms in collaboration with the DMK Group in Germany. These farms are designed to explore innovative technologies and scientific approaches to create scalable, economically feasible pathways toward achieving net-zero dairy production. This five-year project is a pioneering effort that leverages Mars’ long-standing ethos of long-term investment in innovation.
Exploring Seaweed as a Climate Solution
Mars is also part of the Sustainable Dairy Partnership and is investigating methane-reduction technologies by partnering with Fonterra and Sea Forest. Through their SEAFEED seaweed supplement trial, Mars is examining the potential of seaweed to reduce methane emissions from cows during digestion, thereby offering a promising solution to mitigate dairy’s environmental footprint.
Importance of Sustainable Dairy
With over 200,000 cows and 1,000 farms supplying dairy for Mars’ billion-dollar brands like M&M’s and Snickers, the company recognizes the environmental impact of its operations. Dairy is the second largest contributor to the carbon footprint of Mars’ Snacking division, while raw ingredients make up over 70% of the company’s total greenhouse gas emissions. By investing in sustainable dairy, Mars aims to align its production with climate-conscious practices that can inspire similar actions across the industry.
Conclusion
Mars’ Moo’ving Dairy Forward plan demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability and showcases its collaborative approach to addressing global climate challenges. By investing in research, innovation, and partnerships, Mars aims to set a new standard in sustainable dairy sourcing that will contribute to meaningful reductions in the carbon footprint of the food industry.
Related: Why Mars is Reducing Chocolate
