Arla Faces Criticism Over Sustainability Efforts

Arla, the multinational dairy giant, is facing intense criticism from climate activists who claim the company is misleading consumers with unrealistic sustainability claims. According to a new report published by Changing Markets Foundation and Greenpeace Nordic, Arla is accused of failing to take significant actions to reduce its emissions effectively.

The report alleges that Arla has not set reduction targets for major non-CO2 emissions, such as methane, which accounts for 43% of its total emissions, paralleling the entire agricultural methane output of the Netherlands. Despite Arla's efforts, including experimenting with biogas and feed additives, campaigners argue that these initiatives are not sufficient to achieve maximum emission reduction potential.

Greenpeace Nordic campaigner Sandra Lamborn criticized Arla's marketing strategies, emphasizing that while Arla projects a caring image regarding climate and environment, their actual practices tell a different story. A spokesperson for Arla refuted these accusations, claiming the report contains multiple inaccuracies and does not accurately reflect Arla’s commitment to sustainability.

Alma Castrejon-Davila, a senior campaigner at Changing Markets Foundation, highlighted the need for Arla to target a methane reduction of at least 30% by 2030 and transition towards more plant-based products. She also noted that as the world's fifth-largest dairy company, Arla has a unique opportunity to lead the industry's sustainable transition but has instead opted for greenwashing its activities.