Emmi aims to process 100% sustainable milk by 2027. This is an ambitious goal that calls for a holistic approach that involves all stakeholders in the dairy industry.
Sustainable production and management is a partnership-based goal that encompasses all stakeholder groups in the value chain – within and outside Emmi. Emmi creates added value directly and indirectly in rural regions, helping milk suppliers to produce more sustainably and above local standards. Emmi also strives to ensure that its procurement is fully aligned with ethical principles and that both human and animal rights are respected in the supply chain. Our commitment also includes supporting dedicated projects that support climate-friendly and resource-efficient milk production both in our home market and in the key markets of Brazil, Chile and Tunisia. The measures taken by Emmi contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations, in particular SDG2 (Zero Hunger), SDG8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG15 (Life on Land).
To achieve this ambitious target, all milk suppliers are to achieve standards that exceed the local average by 2027, which are evaluated using a science-based criteria catalogue. The catalogue, which Emmi developed in collaboration with The School of Agricultural, Forestry and Food Sciences (HAFL) at Bern University of Applied Sciences, covers 32 criteria in the fields of social responsibility, the environment, milk and animal welfare. It is based on international methodologies and was deemed to be comprehensive by Emmi’s partner the WWF.
In the Swiss domestic market, sustainability has long been an important differentiating factor compared to dairy products from other countries. Emmi set itself the goal of only processing sustainably produced milk in Switzerland in 2016. In 2019, Emmi was a pioneer in establishing a production standard for sustainable Swiss milk, which focuses on feeding, animal welfare and environmental aspects. In 2024, it became the industry benchmark to which 100% of Swiss milk suppliers have committed themselves. In return, they receive three cents more per kilogram of milk.
Launched in 2022 together with Nestlé, aaremilch and Central Switzerland Milk Producers (ZMP), the “KlimaStaR Milk” initiative achieved a positive interim assessment in 2024. The pilot project, which is supported by the Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture as part of its resources programme, promotes climate protection, location adaptation and resource efficiency in the dairy industry.
Initial evaluations to determine the starting point showed that the greenhouse gas emissions on the 230 participating farms are significantly lower than assumed prior to the start of the project. In the first two years, the farms were able to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram of milk by almost 5% on average. The aim is to achieve a 20% reduction by 2027. Optimised feeding, herd management and the storage of farmyard manure have proven to be decisive factors in reducing climate impact. In terms of feed-food competition, the farms almost reached the target of a 20% reduction in the first two years. In addition, more than 80 farms are now taking part in a focus group that is examining the issue of land competition in order to allow cows to graze mainly on land that is unsuitable for plant-based food production. Emmi, which has committed to achieving net zero by 2050, is thus making an important contribution to the climate action plan beyond its internal sphere of influence (Scope 3 emissions).
For Emmi, it is not only important to promote sustainable dairy farming in the countries in which it operates but also to ensure the well-being of local communities. This is particularly true in countries such as Brazil, Chile and Tunisia, where the dairy industry is a vital source of livelihood for many families. This enables milk suppliers to improve their living conditions and broaden their career development opportunities over the long term.
Laticínios Porto Alegre, one of Emmi’s Brazilian subsidiaries, offers programmes to help milk suppliers implement good agricultural practices and increase their productivity. Around 10% of milk suppliers currently participate in the programmes. During 2024, it also collaborated with an external specialist for milk suppliers to collect, analyse and validate reliable data for recording greenhouse gas emissions for the first time in order to derive measures to improve sustainable milk production and reduce emissions.
Even before the merger with Quillayes, Surlat was the first dairy brand in Latin America to purchase from suppliers with animal welfare certification. The Bienestar Animal label gives Emmi’s Chilean subsidiary a key differentiator, as three quarters of the population attach importance to animal welfare aspects when shopping. The certification marks a significant milestone on the journey towards a more sustainable dairy industry. To support these efforts, Emmi set targets for soy production and greenhouse gas emissions reduction in 2023, as part of a sustainability analysis.
For five years now, Fondation Vitalait, financed by the Emmi subsidiary of the same name in Tunisia, has been advising local small livestock farmers. To date, 3,000 of the approximately 11,000 dairy farmers who supply Vitalait have taken advantage of the advice. The aim is to improve their understanding of feeding, breeding and caring for animals, as well as the careful management of the soil and the use of water. The foundation also contributes up to 50% of the investment in labour-saving equipment. Vitalait Foundation’s work will be expanded in future in conjunction with Swiss development aid.
Further details on sustainability efforts and key indicators can be found in the Sustainability Report.