Partnership with Emmi 2024
As the largest milk processor in Switzerland, Emmi aims to reduce the environmental impact of milk processing. In collaboration with WWF, Emmi seeks to reduce its CO₂e emissions, minimize food waste, and increase the volume of procured milk that meets ecological sustainability criteria.
CLIMATE AND ENERGY
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (Scopes 1&2)
Emmi aligns its reduction of absolute greenhouse gas emissions for Scope 1 and Scope 2 with the 1.5° target pathway. These emissions are to be reduced by 28% by 2024 compared to 2019. Measured in tonnes of CO₂e. Scope includes Scope 1 & 2 according to the GHG Protocol for all Emmi business units worldwide.
By the end of 2024, Emmi’s Scope 1 and Scope 2 (market-based) emissions decreased by around 1% compared to 2019 (actual value 2024: 106,195 tonnes CO₂e vs. 2019 baseline: 107,309 tonnes CO₂e).
Note: The slight increase compared to 2023 (actual value 2023: 98,920 tonnes CO₂e) is due to new acquisitions and additional emissions from refrigerant losses.
This target is a linear derivation of Emmi’s science-based climate targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). A linear achievement path is not expected, as substantial emission reductions occur through individual major measures or successful projects. The linear reduction path serves as a guideline.
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 3 with regard to purchased raw milk)
In Scope 3, a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 16% per kg of procured raw milk is targeted by 2024 compared to 2019.
Factors are calculated from total Scope 3 emissions (per GHG Protocol), divided by the global volume of cow, goat, and sheep milk and cream processed by Emmi.
By the end of 2024, Emmi’s Scope 3 emissions per kg of procured raw milk increased by 3.5% compared to 2019 (actual value 2024: 2.68 kg CO₂e per kg raw milk FPCM).
Note: The increase is due to a higher share of milk sourced from countries with high emission factors (e.g., due to feed cultivation and origin, production methods). Reduction measures have only been implemented to a limited extent and are not yet sufficiently locally anchored. Emmi remains off track. The slight improvement compared to the previous year (actual value 2023: 2.70 kg CO₂e) is due to minimal volume shifts (to other countries, markets, labels).
This target is a linear derivation of Emmi’s science-based climate targets validated by SBTi. A linear achievement path is not expected; substantial reductions occur through major measures or successful projects. The linear reduction path serves as a guideline.
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 3 with regard to products produced)
In Scope 3, a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 16% per kg of finished product is targeted by 2024 compared to 2019.
Factors are calculated from total Scope 3 emissions (per GHG Protocol), divided by the global weight of products processed by Emmi.
By the end of 2024, emissions per kg of finished product increased by 1.3% compared to 2019 (actual value 2024: 4.03 kg CO₂e per kg finished product).
Note: Emission reduction projects for milk are still in early stages and need broader, locally anchored implementation. Additionally, milk volumes from countries with above-average emission factors increased more than those from countries with lower factors.
This target is a linear derivation of Emmi’s science-based climate targets validated by SBTi. A linear achievement path is not expected; substantial reductions occur through major measures or successful projects. The linear reduction path serves as a guideline.
Food Waste
Reduction in Food Waste (Switzerland)
Emmi aims to reduce its food waste volume by 15% by 2024 compared to 2020 (2020 share: 4%).
Measured as the percentage of food waste relative to total product volume. Scope includes all Emmi-owned production sites in Switzerland.
In 2024, the share of food waste was 4.3%, an increase of 0.3 percentage points compared to 2020. This corresponds to a relative increase of 7% compared to 2020 and exceeds Switzerland’s national reduction target.
Note: As of the 2023 reporting year, the presentation was adjusted. Food waste is now shown as a share of total produced volume, better reflecting trends amid fluctuating production volumes. Due to a higher share of products with by-products (e.g., cheese, quark), food waste increased slightly compared to 2023 (3.9%).
Reduction of food waste (global)
Outside Switzerland, Emmi set the following food waste goals:
- Implement three food waste reduction projects globally by 2024 and have them audited.
- Introduce the Food Loss and Waste Standard (or equivalent) in three production companies in Italy and the Netherlands by 2024.
By the end of 2024, Emmi had not implemented any measures and did not meet its goals. Due to limited resources, food waste has not yet been prioritized globally.
Other raw materials
Sustainable Milk
Emmi aims to improve the sustainability of procured milk by 2024. A criteria and evaluation system for production standards was developed and approved by WWF.
Sustainability is measured by the weighted sustainability rating of production standards/methods based on procurement volume. Ratings are available for Switzerland, Spain, and Chile. Cross-country comparisons are not possible.
Sustainability improvements are achieved either by improving milk standards or increasing the volume of sustainably certified milk.
Increase in milk sustainability (Switzerland)
Emmi aims to increase the score in the Swiss sustainability rating system from 35 points in 2021 to 40 points by 2024.
In 2024, Emmi achieved 36 points for milk procured in Switzerland.
Note: Progress was limited due to market demand for sustainable milk.
Increase in milk sustainability (Spain)
Emmi aims to increase the score in the Spanish sustainability rating system from 35.5 points in 2021 to 39 points by 2024.
In 2024, Emmi achieved 38 points for milk procured in Spain.
Note: Solid improvements were achieved through local projects (e.g., emissions, biodiversity).
Increasing the sustainability of milk (other markets)
Emmi aims to increase the score in the Chilean sustainability rating system from 47 points in 2021 to 52 points by 2024.
In 2024, Emmi achieved 37 points for milk procured in Chile.
Note: Baseline data had to be revised and tightened, delaying implementation. Improvements were made in animal welfare, emissions, and soy feed. Given the revised baseline, progress is satisfactory.
For countries where the rating system cannot yet be applied due to missing data (e.g., Brazil, Tunisia, USA), alternative sustainability goals were defined. Foundations are being laid to apply the rating system in these countries in the future.
