Sustainability Report
1. Emmi’s sustainability strategy and model
1.1 Sustainability strategy
Continuing Emmi’s tradition, sustainability is an integral part of the business model and one of the five core elements of the Group’s strategy, which aims to achieve long-term, profitable growth and added value for all its stakeholders. With this in mind, Emmi is committed to actively optimising its value chain while taking responsibility for future generations.
1.2 The Emmi sustainability model
The Emmi sustainability model is based on the three strategic pillars: “People”, “Communities” and “Planet”. The model underpins the resource-efficient, environmentally friendly and socially responsible way in which Emmi aims to conduct its business. To achieve this and other areas of progress, sustainability is embedded in the core business processes of all Emmi companies. Emmi sees this as the key to jointly achieving its ambitious sustainability goals within the three strategic pillars.
To implement the strategy, attention is given to the following five topics, which are each aligned with the three strategic pillars. Each topic includes ambitious targets set for 2027. Emmi also supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the global community’s ambitious plan to tackle global challenges such as climate change and sustainable growth.
Developing employees
The skills and knowledge of its employees are among Emmi’s most valuable resources. In an ever-evolving environment driven by rapid technological advancements, the company aims to ensure its employees are equipped with the necessary skills. Therefore, by 2027, all employees are expected to have a development plan in place and to continue their development through a range of attractive initiatives. Emmi hopes this will provide the company with access to a pool of skilled workers. For example, Emmi aims to fill half of its vacancies with internal candidates by 2027.
Sustainable dairy
Emmi aims to be known as a company that makes products from sustainable milk – in all the markets in which it is active. To achieve this goal, all milk suppliers must exceed average local standards by 2027. Emmi assesses this using a science-based criteria catalogue. In its domestic market in Switzerland, Emmi has championed the establishment of the Sustainable Swiss Milk industry standard, which has been mandatory since 2024. Emmi continues to be committed to its further development.
Reducing emissions
Emmi is committed to reducing its direct greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2027 (Scope 1 and 2, compared to 2014). It is also extending its commitments to encompass its entire value chain (Scope 3): together with its milk producers, Emmi aims to reduce CO2e by 25% per kg of milk by 2027 (compared to 2019). Emmi is committed to its netZERO 2050 vision and pledges to adhere to science-based emission reduction targets in line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Reducing waste
Emmi is committed to advancing the circular economy by 2027 by pursuing the following goals: to halve the amount of waste and food waste produced in its companies (compared to 2017). The remaining waste may no longer be disposed of in landfill sites after that time. Packaging is also very important to Emmi. The company aims to achieve 100% recyclability and to use at least 30% recycled material.
Reducing water use
Water is an increasingly scarce resource, especially in vulnerable regions. Emmi is therefore committed to reducing freshwater consumption in its operations in high-risk regions by 50% by 2027 (compared to 2019). In the remaining countries, Emmi is aiming for a reduction of 15% (compared to 2019).
1.3 The Emmi sustainability governance model
Emmi’s Board of Directors is responsible for the sustainable development of the company, including the sustainability strategy and reporting. The Board has delegated implementation to the CEO and Group Executive Management, who have appointed a Sustainability Steering Committee to oversee further implementation. The Committee acts as a decision-making and approval body, taking into account costs, efficiency and local conditions. It regularly monitors progress and tracks the achievement of the established sustainability goals. It comprises the Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO), Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Executive Vice President Switzerland, Executive Vice President America, Executive Vice President Europe, Head Corporate Communications and Head Group Sustainability.
The global sustainability team implements, develops and monitors the sustainability strategy. It provides leadership and offers guidance and support throughout the Group. The team manages internal and external communication to ensure transparency and the flow of information. Knowledge transfer and networking with internal and external stakeholders play a key role in creating synergies and sharing best practices. The team also prepares reports, conducts assessments and oversees stakeholder management. Through coaching, advice and networking, companies within Emmi are empowered to define measures and achieve their goals.
Working closely with the Head Group Sustainability in the individual divisions and the appointed representatives within the Group departments (HR, Marketing, Communications, Purchasing, etc.), the sustainability team continuously assesses progress and adjusts the approach if necessary. An essential part of these efforts is ensuring the quality of the data for the relevant KPIs. This includes the impact of current and future projects, the timeline, and capital and operating expenditures. The sustainability team also strives to gain a clear understanding of the gaps within the established targets, taking into account the scope, location, type and time frames. Priorities are set on this basis, whether at division level or for specific projects.
Emmi sustainability governance model
Corporate governance of the Emmi Group
1.4 Memberships of associations and interest groups
The challenges facing society are enormous and complex. Emmi is aware that long-term success depends on sustainable growth, collective action, broad coalitions and strong partnerships. Emmi therefore actively engages in dialogue with numerous stakeholder groups. Working in partnership with other innovative companies, organisations and partners, Emmi focuses its efforts on areas that underpin the sustainability model.
Emmi’s main memberships are as follows:
- Branchenorganisation Milch (BOM) – dairy industry association: board member
- Kommission Agrar- und Wirtschaftspolitik der Föderation der Schweizerischen Nahrungsmittel-Industrien (fial) – Commission on Agricultural and Economic Policy of the Federation of Swiss Food Industries: board member
- Interessensgemeinschaft Agrarstandort Schweiz (IGAS) – advocacy group for the Swiss agricultural sector: board member
- Vereinigung Schweizerische Milchindustrie (VMI) – Swiss Dairy Industry Association: board member
- KlimaStaR Milk – industry resource project: member of the governing body
- Promarca – branded goods association: board member
- Swiss Cheese Marketing (SCM): board member
- Recypac – non-profit organisation for a packaging recycling system: board member
Emmi is a member of other associations and interest groups both in Switzerland and internationally.