THE dairy industry is often under the spotlight for its impact on the environments . Everything from methane emissions to high-energy process output is scrutinised . It ’ s believed that 80 per cent of the global population consumes dairy products on regular basis , highlighting its scale . Here , rural energy provider Flogas highlight what the industry is doing to make a change and tackle carbon emissions …

The Dairy Roadmap initiatives

With Western foods so common in diets these days , the industry must meet high demand but find a way to reduce its carbon footprint at the same time . Add to this , the legally binding commitment that the UK will reach net zero emissions by 2050 , and means that ,

reducing emissions becomes a race against time .

Progress is being made , however . Leading companies , such as Arla Foods , Müller , and Yeo Valley , are heading towards a greener future . In fact , the British dairy sector is ‘ world-leading ’ for sustainability , according to Dairy UK . This has been helped by the Dairy Roadmap , a sustainability scheme launched in 2008 .

The Dairy Roadmap focuses on all stages of the production process and picks out key targets to achieve . It recognises that there is no end to sustainability .

The project is always adapting to meet new environmental targets , and thanks to its key focus areas , the Dairy Roadmap has already pinpointed vital areas for making sure dairy energy is as clean as possible .

Tactics to save water

Processing sites have managed to cut water consumption down by 23.4 per cent , despite the fact the industry relies on water to thrive . They have also introduced a range of water-saving measures to decrease its environmental impact .

These measures include :

• Water mapping projects

• Rainwater harvesting to reverse osmosis

• Reduced freshwater abstraction

• Optimised Cleaning in Place ( CIP ) systems .

Recycling

There ’ s been a marked improvement in recycling efforts since 2008 from the industry . In the same year , 65 per cent of waste was recovered or recycled . The remaining 35 per cent was sent to landfill . Now , the dairy industry recycles or reuses 94 per cent of its waste , with the ambition to reach 100 per cent soon .

Climate change

In 2020 , statistics showed that major environmental achievements have already taken place . There ’ s been a 20 per cent increase in primary energy efficiency ( kWh / tonne ). Widespread use of ozone-depleting hydrochlorofluorocarbon ( HCFC ) refrigerants has also been eliminated .

The next major milestone is for emissions to be slashed by another 30 per cent , along with adopting cleaner fuel supplies , such as liquefied petroleum gas ( LPG ) and liquefied natural gas ( LNG ).

Plastic packaging

Plastic waste continues to be an environmental concern for the industry . However , in the world of dairy , major changes have already been implemented . In fact , this industry uses some of the most recycled and reused packaging of all consumer products .

More than 95 per cent of tertiary packaging was reused or recycled in 2018 , and 85 per cent of HDPE milk containers were also recycled .

Reduced food waste

Reducing food waste , or even eliminating it , in the industry isn ’ t a straightforward thing to achieve ., but the changes that have been made so far are promising . In 2016 , most of the potential food waste ( produce not meant for consumers ) was used in a more environmentally friendly fashion . Just over 60 per cent was recovered for animal feed and redistribution . And a further 23 per cent was used for anaerobic digestion or biogas production .

Biodiversity

Biodiversity helps improvements to be made across the production line . In Dairy UK ’ s 2018 biodiversity strategy , the organisation called for big changes to be made to improve their biodiversity status . Processors have started to engage in projects within their local communities to help reintroduce native species in opportune spaces around their processing plants .

The future looks greener for dairy production as carbon emissions continue to be reduced . By following targets set out in the Dairy Roadmap , the industry has proven that it can revolutionise its processes and , with future targets in place , we can expect more improvements to soon follow .

Statistics source : The UK Dairy Roadmap , 10th Anniversary Report