An intact environment is vital to Emmi’s activities. In addition to caring for people and communities, it is one of the three strategic pillars of the sustainability model. The associated targets focus on reducing greenhouse gases and promoting the circular economy.
Grassland, water and air are the most important resources of the dairy industry. Aware of this importance, the respectful use of natural resources is deeply rooted at Emmi as a processor of milk as a natural product. Based on the concepts of respect and tradition, Emmi aims to be a role model in sustainability, which it will continue to anchor within its business model and strategy.
In order to create the best dairy moments today and tomorrow, Emmi depends on the existence of an intact environment. It is one of the three strategic pillars on which Emmi is focusing as part of its sustainability model. Ambitious goals are associated with this commitment. Emmi pays particular attention to reducing greenhouse gas emissions at all stages of the value chain, reducing fresh water consumption and using closed-loop packaging.
Through its netZERO 2050 vision, the Emmi Group has committed itself to reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the value chain (Scopes 1, 2 and 3) with science-based climate targets and to achieving the net zero target by 2050. To achieve this, Emmi has set itself reduction targets with which it aims to reduce operational emissions by 60% (Scope 1 & 2, compared to 2014). As more than 90% of its CO2 footprint originates outside its own operations and thus outside its direct sphere of influence, Emmi is intensifying its collaborative efforts with dairy farmers, suppliers and other partners to reduce emissions along the value chain by 25% (Scope 3, compared to 2019).
In order to reduce emissions from production and energy procurement, Emmi has identified investments in energy efficiency, the production of renewable electricity locally and the switch to renewable heat sources as important levers. Emmi considers heat pumps to be currently the most interesting technology for the production of industrial thermal energy, as they provide more thermal energy than they consume electrical energy, which reduces the need for fossil fuels and thus CO2 emissions.
In 2024, Emmi explored various options at two production sites in Italy (Emmi Dessert Italia and Pasticceria Quadrifoglio) and one in Spain (Kaiku) by analysing which heat sources are used, how the demand for heat is met and whether waste heat from the production process can be used. A heat pump system is already in operation at the Emmi site in the Netherlands, where heat is now generated using electricity rather than gas. In addition, the excess heat from the cheese factory is used for the powder plant. Whether heat sources can be converted effectively depends, in particular, on the cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency that can be achieved. In doing so, local conditions must be taken into account.
The measures to reduce the CO2 footprint on the road to net zero are in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals: Climate Action (SDG13), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG12), and Life on Land (SDG15).
Emmi can meet its reduction target most effectively if the packaging used is recyclable. This ensures valuable raw materials are kept in the loop for reuse. Emmi aims to make its packaging 100% recyclable by 2027 and to use at least 30% recycled material.
Emmi took an important step in this direction in 2024. Together with Coop, it launched selected dairy products in white PET bottles. Unlike conventional PET bottles, they are opaque, offer optimum product protection, and ensure a consistent taste. Compared to bottles made from polyethylene, PET bottles reduce the use of materials by around a quarter. This also reduces the amount of transportation required. Emmi uses the innovative bottles for products such as Emmi Energy Milk High Protein, Comella Choco Drink, Emmi Caffè Latte Mr Huge in the bottle format and the “I’m your meal” meal replacement drink.
In Switzerland, white PET bottles are currently the only plastic food packaging that is recycled in a closed loop. New PET bottles are produced from old PET bottles collected in partnership with PET Recycling Schweiz and other partners. They are then used again for milk and dairy products.
These types of circular processes cannot be handled by one company alone. What is needed are holistic solutions that include all the stakeholders involved, including packaging producers, distributors such as Emmi, retailers, municipalities and recyclers. This is why stakeholders have joined forces in the voluntary industry organisation RecyPac. In future, this organisation, of which Emmi is a founding member, will comprehensively optimise the loop with a coordinated recycling solution for plastic packaging and drink cartons nationwide and supply the market with high-quality recyclates.
Further details on sustainability efforts and key indicators can be found in the Sustainability Report.