Emmi’s European sites go green

02 Nov 2017 --- Emmi, the largest Swiss milk processor, has committed to reducing its CO2 emissions by 25 percent by 2020. As an initial measure, the company converted all its Swiss sites to sustainable power at the start of 2017 Emmi is now taking another major step by converting all its European sites to 100 percent hydropower, thereby reducing its CO2 emissions by a further 17,500 tons per year. 

Emmi’s commitment to sustainability can be found in the new online sustainability report, together with a detailed G4-GRI Content Index. For the first time, this report covers the activities of the entire Emmi Group.

There are many paths open to a company to promote its own sustainability. However, too much variety complicates management, control and communication. At Emmi, focusing on a sustainability commitment on four key areas leading up to 2020 – areas which have the greatest relevance and over which can have the most influence.

Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst, Gerold Schatt, Head of Sustainability Emmi Group says: “Sustainability is a strategic topic for Emmi. We are convinced, that sustainability is a promising possibility for differentiation, especially for our products from Switzerland, where we have a high standard in important topics such as environmental protection and animal welfare.”

“Since the beginning of 2016, there has been a department for sustainability, which takes care of the strategy and coordination. Since 2016 we have also an official partnership with WWF Switzerland,” explains Schatt. 

“Last autumn, we have communicated our sustainability goals. One for each focus area (reducing greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable milk, waste reduction and employee development).”

“Our efforts to reduce CO2 emissions are certainly the most advanced. In the past ten years, we made big efforts in Switzerland and are now able to transfer these experiences and the know-how to our production sites outside Switzerland,” notes Schatt.

Emmi has formulated an objective for each of its four focus areas through to 2020. Achieving these objectives takes priority. The company also support selected flagship projects in the topic areas that are particularly commendable or innovative, thus orientating themselves towards the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Above all, Emmi is committed to acting openly and transparently. An important factor in this regard is their dialogue with various stakeholders.

By Elizabeth Green