Mars launches $1 billion global sustainable dairy initiative to halve emissions by 2030
A key element of this initiative is Mars' commitment to reducing emissions by 50% by 2030. This ambitious target is supported by the publication of a new roadmap to achieve “net zero” emissions, which includes on-farm measures such as enteric methane reduction, manure management schemes, and sustainable feed production.
The company's Moo’ving Dairy Forward Sustainable Dairy Plan marks a significant collaboration with FrieslandCampina to deliver sustainable dairy solutions. This tech-driven partnership aims to identify scalable processes that can be rapidly implemented across Mars' network.
The dairy sector remains crucial to Mars, with over 200,000 cows and 1,000 farms supplying dairy for its core brands, including M&M’s and other products in its snacking portfolio. Notably, raw ingredients contribute to over 70% of Mars' total greenhouse gas emissions, which the company is committed to reducing swiftly.
Amanda Davies, Chief R&D, Procurement, and Sustainability Officer for Mars Snacking, emphasized the company's dedication: “Our commitment to keeping our planet healthy is non-negotiable at Mars. Our vision for sustainable dairy will only be realized with the support and actions of farmers and our suppliers. Through our Moo’ving Dairy Forward Sustainable Dairy Plan, we are investing millions directly into farmers' pockets to help them make climate-smart changes. Together, we can address climate change head-on and reshape our industry for a more sustainable future.”
Additionally, Mars has launched three pilot "net zero" dairy farms in collaboration with DMK Group in Germany. These farms will explore new science and technology to create a scalable, economically viable pathway to net zero dairy. This five-year project is a pioneering effort for the global food and pet care conglomerate.
Mars also highlighted its membership in the Sustainable Dairy Partnership and its collaboration with Fonterra and Sea Forest to explore sourcing seaweed-based food supplements from the Seafeed trial, aimed at reducing methane emissions from cows.
