McDonald’s and FrieslandCampina Forge Green Partnership to Slash Dairy Supply Chain Emissions

McDonald’s and FrieslandCampina Forge Green Partnership to Slash Dairy Supply Chain Emissions

(IN BRIEF) McDonald’s and FrieslandCampina have initiated a strategic partnership with the goal of accelerating the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the production of dairy products supplied to McDonald’s restaurants in the Netherlands and Belgium. This collaboration builds on their long-standing relationship as FrieslandCampina has been a vital supplier to McDonald’s for over three decades. The partnership will lead to a 14% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025, compared to 2019, benefiting member dairy farms. Both companies aim to inspire the broader industry to adopt similar sustainable practices and contribute to a more environmentally friendly future. McDonald’s sees this initiative as part of its broader climate goals, while FrieslandCampina emphasizes its dedication to sustainable dairy production, with member dairy farmers playing a pivotal role in achieving a lower carbon footprint.

(PRESS RELEASE) AMERSFOORT, 18-Oct-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — McDonald’s and FrieslandCampina have started a new collaboration aimed at an accelerated reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the production of dairy supplied to McDonald’s restaurants in the Netherlands and Belgium. This partnership underscores the companies’ dedication to combatting climate change and is aligned with their climate ambitions for 2050.

McDonald’s and FrieslandCampina have been working together for over 30 years. FrieslandCampina is a key supplier to McDonald’s, providing essential ingredients for beloved menu items such as McFlurry, Sundae, Milkshakes, and meat replacers like Valess. This partnership has evolved to encompass a broader mission, focusing on reducing the carbon footprint associated with dairy production.

The collaboration between FrieslandCampina and McDonald’s Netherlands and Belgium directly contributes to the reward of member dairy farms for their efforts, which will result in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 14% by 2025, compared to 2019. This is a step in a longer journey. By working together to accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the dairy supply chain, both companies aim to inspire others within the industry to follow suit and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Joost Elshof, Director Supply Chain at McDonald’s Netherlands, places the collaboration with FrieslandCampina in McDonald’s broader ambitions in the field of climate: “Climate change is an environmental issue of our time. McDonald’s therefore wants to work with all its partners and suppliers throughout the chain on innovative solutions that limit the negative impact on the climate. With this extra dimension within our already great collaboration with FrieslandCampina, we come closer to our emission reduction goals of 2030 and our overall ambition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Investing in our chain in this way fits within the sustainability path that we as McDonald’s have taken.”

Roger Loo, President of Professional and Trading at FrieslandCampina, also shares his thoughts: “FrieslandCampina is dedicated to producing dairy in a sustainable way. We measure and track our progress and drive improvement. Over the years, our efforts have resulted in a decrease in the carbon footprint of our dairy products. Our dairy farmers have played a crucial role in this achievement through their commitment to making their dairy farms more and more sustainable. Collaborating with valuable partners such as McDonald’s is crucial in our mission to create a positive impact. Through this partnership, we can continue to support and reward our member dairy farmers.”

Data driven approach

The Annual Nutrient Cycling Assessment is a monitoring tool that is used by FrieslandCampina member dairy farmers. It gives farm-specific insights and results on climate and biodiversity. FrieslandCampina uses this tool to track progress and reward member dairy farmers with financial premiums for their results. Next to climate and biodiversity, the member dairy farmers are also rewarded for their results on outdoor grazing and animal health and welfare via the Foqus planet Sustainable development programme. The partnership between FrieslandCampina and McDonald’s contributes to the support and rewards for farmers. Examples of measures farmers take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are lengthening the grazing season, the use of feed with a lower footprint, the use of feed additives to lower methane emissions, and separating manure and urine on the farm. Many member dairy farmers also generate renewable energy, which subsequently is used on the FrieslandCampina’s production sites.

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Source: FrieslandCampina