Valio Unveils Sustainability Report 2023

The report delves into Valio's multifaceted approach to sustainability, spotlighting advancements in various key areas. Notably, Valio remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality in milk production by 2035. Efforts to reduce emissions, enhance carbon sinks, and pioneer circular economy solutions are at the forefront of Valio's sustainability endeavors.

Highlights from the report include:

• Advancements in Biogas Production: Valio and energy company St1's joint venture, Suomen Lantakaasu Oy, is making significant progress in developing biogas plants, with the Kiuruvesi facility being the largest among planned installations. These plants aim to produce renewable energy and biofertilizers from local agricultural byproducts.
• Carbon Farming Training: Over 1,500 dairy farmers have undergone carbon farming training, fostering climate-sustainable farming practices and covering nearly 40% of all Valio farms. Carbon farming initiatives now span across approximately 130,000 hectares.
• Utilization of Valio Carbo® Farm Calculator: Nearly 2,500 farms have calculated their carbon footprints using the certified Valio Carbo® Farm calculator, which now incorporates emissions from peatland and refrigerant spills, alongside reductions from feed additives.
• Methane-Reducing Feed Solution: Valio successfully piloted a methane-reducing feed solution across 40 farms and 3,000 cows, showcasing promising results with potential to reduce methane emissions by up to 30%, thereby positively impacting milk's carbon footprint.
• Energy Efficiency Enhancements: Significant improvements in energy efficiency were achieved, including the installation of a new heat pump system and over 50 energy-efficient actions at production plants.
• Biodiversity Mapping: Valio initiated the mapping of nature impacts throughout its value chain, identifying biodiversity risks and opportunities while actively monitoring regulatory developments.
• Peatland Restoration: Valio launched its first peatland restoration project, recognizing the importance of mitigating climate impacts associated with arable land conversion.
• Circular Packaging Innovation: Valio introduced Northern Europe's first recycled plastic tethered cap for beverage packaging, promoting circularity and reducing plastic waste.

Valio's Sustainability Report 2023 underscores the company's unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsible business practices, as it continues to pave the way towards a more sustainable future.