Report Published on 27 May, 2009
IDF commits to tackling sustainability issues
Filed by Geoff Platt
Challenged to adopt a balanced approach to sustainability, the dairy sector and the International Dairy Federation (IDF) are playing a leading role in the development of these strategies.
The dairy industry has made significant reductions in its energy use and is committed to taking positive action to achieve further reductions in CO2 emissions. One example is the study commissioned by IDF to provide an analysis of the key issues in the dairy sector based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and an inventory of environmental initiatives that have an influence on this sector.
“Recognising that a life cycle approach is the best way to assess a product’s impact on the environment is key,” said IDF director general, Christian Robert. “This approach considers the total greenhouse gas emissions generated by the production, use and end-of-life phases of a product. It is also, therefore, the best way to help society make informed decisions on the use of materials and their economic importance.”
The study comprises an in-depth analysis of the existing scientific and technical literature, including IDF publications and a review of existing country positions and regulations, standards and guidelines.
“IDF has immediately taken action on the basis of the key findings of this report,” said Robert. “IDF has initiated new work on Life Cycle Analysis/Life Cycle Management and Carbon Footprint in the Dairy Sector, with the main objective of developing a common LCA methodology for dairy products. As the body representing the dairy sector at a global level, we want to be part of the solution and we’ve decided to rise to this challenge.”
IDF already has a set of publications addressing a variety of environmental sustainability issues and possible strategies on how to minimise and control environmental impacts throughout the dairy production chain.
Source: International Dairy Federation