Synlait and Nestlé Enhance Sustainable Dairy Practices in New Zealand

The partnership between Synlait, a Canterbury-based milk processor, and Nestlé, the world's largest food producer, aims to enhance sustainable dairy practices in New Zealand. A recent visit to a North Canterbury farm featured key figures from both companies and showcased the EcoPond methane mitigation system.

EcoPond, developed by Lincoln University in collaboration with Ravensdown, is a treatment service that reduces methane emissions by over 90%. The system, now mobile, visits farms to treat dairy shed effluent, providing significant emission reductions without requiring permanent infrastructure on-site.

As part of the partnership, Synlait offers farmers a premium on their milksolids payout for participating in environmental initiatives like using EcoPond, planting native trees, and joining biodiversity projects. Nearly 40 Canterbury dairy farmers are currently involved in this scheme.

Synlait's Chief Revenue Officer, Hamish Yates, emphasized the mutual benefits of the partnership, which supports both the environment and the farmers. Nestlé's commitment to reducing emissions is underscored by its goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with New Zealand dairy playing a crucial role.

Katja Seidenschnur, Nestlé's global head of sustainability nutrition, highlighted the importance of partnerships in addressing emissions at scale. The collaboration with Synlait is seen as a practical approach to tackling climate and methane challenges in the dairy sector.

EcoPond Director Elliot Mercer noted the development and deployment of the EcoPond system as a significant advancement, with the system currently being considered for recognition by New Zealand's Greenhouse Gas Inventory.