Tetra Pak has initiated the Dairy Processing Task Force. This joint coalition aims to bring in figures from across the dairy sector to improve approaches to decarbonisation within dairy processing. Its formation reinforces Tetra Pak's contribution to the global dairy sector's Pathways to Dairy Net Zero Initiative.
The Dairy Processing Task Force, spearheaded by Tetra Pak, will pre-competitively explore the innovative systems and technologies needed to drive down greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across dairy production systems and regions. Dairy accounts for 2.7 percent of the world's GHG emissions.
Championing the implementation of more sustainable solutions, Tetra Pak will lead discussions with pivotal players in the dairy sector to drive the latest advances in processing technology and share best practices across the industry. Innovations and technologies can potentially reduce energy and water consumption and food waste in dairy production.
The core deliverables of the Dairy Processing Task Force will be developed as members join to maximise the potential value of each member's contribution. The Task Force aims to measure and mitigate GHG emissions in dairy processing, create and share best practices to reduce GHG emissions, identify and implement credible reduction solutions, and establish industry-standard sustainability guidelines and reporting frameworks to encourage consistency and joint purpose.
In many parts of the world, dairy serves as a significant source of nutrition, and with the global population set to hit 10 billion in 20502, its role in global food systems is vital. However, there is an urgent need to mitigate its environmental impact. As such, the Task Force will look specifically at what can be done to lower emissions without compromising outputs or nutritional value, safeguarding dairy's role in safe and resilient food systems.
Charles Brand, Executive Vice President for Processing Solutions & Equipment, Tetra Pak, said dairy plays a vital role in contributing to livelihoods, food security and nutrition. Yet, it sits within a food system that is not sustainable in the long run.
At Tetra Pak, enabling the transition to sustainable dairy is a critical pathway in our sustainable food systems strategy.
"We continually strive to optimise performance for our customers, working with them, alongside suppliers and partners, to reduce pressures on finite resources, land, water and energy," said Brand.
Launching this Dairy Processing Task Force will expand this approach beyond Tetra Pak's operations and bring together the expertise of leaders in the industry.
"Sustainability is arguably one of, if not the key challenge that we as an industry must address. This can only be achieved through collaboration, and we encourage other leading members of the dairy value chain to join us on this journey. Together, we can accelerate real climate change action across the dairy sector."
Donald Moore, Executive Director of Global Dairy Platform, said that globally, the dairy industry was working to produce highly nutritious foods sustainably and responsibly to meet the demands of a growing world population.
Moore continued that, despite this, the impact of climate change left the entire value chain at risk. As an industry, action must be taken quickly and strategically to address environmental issues.
"As a global leader in innovative systems that improve the efficiency, quality, and safety of food production and processing technologies, we believe that Tetra Pak is well suited to lead the processing component of the Pathways to Dairy Net Zero Initiative," said Moore.
