Longtime Collaborators Aim for 14% Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2025
McDonald's and FrieslandCampina have announced a new collaboration focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the dairy supply chain for McDonald's restaurants in the Netherlands and Belgium. The partnership aims to achieve a 14% reduction in emissions by 2025 compared to 2019 levels. This initiative is part of both companies' broader climate goals for 2050.
Three Decades of Partnership
McDonald's and FrieslandCampina have a business relationship that spans over 30 years. FrieslandCampina has been a key supplier for McDonald's, providing essential dairy ingredients for popular menu items such as McFlurry, Sundae, and Milkshakes, as well as meat alternatives like Valess. The partnership has evolved to include a focus on sustainability, particularly in reducing the carbon footprint associated with dairy production.
Financial Incentives for Sustainable Practices
The collaboration will offer financial rewards to member dairy farms that successfully reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. These rewards are part of FrieslandCampina's Annual Nutrient Cycling Assessment, a monitoring tool that provides farm-specific data on climate and biodiversity. Farmers are also rewarded for results in outdoor grazing and animal health and welfare through the Foqus planet Sustainable Development Programme.
Industry-Wide Implications
Both companies hope that their collaborative efforts will inspire other industry players to take similar steps toward sustainability. Joost Elshof, Director Supply Chain at McDonald's Netherlands, said, "Climate change is an environmental issue of our time. McDonald's wants to work with all its partners and suppliers on innovative solutions that limit the negative impact on the climate."
Roger Loo, President of Professional and Trading at FrieslandCampina, added, "Collaborating with valuable partners such as McDonald's is crucial in our mission to create a positive impact. Through this partnership, we can continue to support and reward our member dairy farmers."
Data-Driven Approach
FrieslandCampina uses the Annual Nutrient Cycling Assessment to track progress and reward member dairy farmers with financial premiums for their results. Measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions include lengthening the grazing season, using feed with a lower carbon footprint, employing feed additives to lower methane emissions, and separating manure and urine on the farm. Many member dairy farmers also generate renewable energy, which is used at FrieslandCampina’s production sites.
Conclusion
The partnership between McDonald's and FrieslandCampina represents a significant step in both companies' sustainability efforts. By setting a target for emission reduction and providing financial incentives for sustainable farming practices, the collaboration aims to make a measurable impact on the dairy supply chain's carbon footprint. As both companies work toward their broader climate goals for 2050, this initiative serves as a model for how industry collaborations can contribute to environmental sustainability.