Agropur commits to reducing GHG emissions 30% by 2031
Appleton, WI, April 26, 2023 – Agropur is pleased to announce that its greenhouse gas (GHG) targets have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Agropur is therefore committed to a 30% reduction in GHG emissions generated by its plants in Canada and the United States by 2031. It is also committed to reducing GHG emissions across its value chain by 24% per kg of milk processed in the same timeframe. Agropur continues to work actively with dairy industry leaders across Canada and the United States to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
To reach its science-based targets, Agropur will continue efforts to increase energy efficiency and renewable energy use, both in Canada and the United States. In Canada, 54% of electricity consumed by Agropur facilities already comes from renewable sources including hydroelectricity and solar, wind or tidal energy. Agropur has been able to reduce energy intensity in its US operations by about 7.5% since 2016.
SBTi is a partnership of the Carbon Disclosure Project, the United Nations Global Compact, the World Resources Institute and the World Wildlife Fund. Many organizations in the global agri-food industry used Science Based Targets methodology to establish their commitments.
Agropur presented its environmental, social and governance performance in a September report available here: https://www.agropur.com/us/what-we-stand-for
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“This initiative aims to obtain validation of our GHG reduction targets by SBTi -- a credible and internationally recognized organization -- and demonstrate our determination to move toward more sustainable dairy processing. In addition to supporting our members' and dairy farmers' initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of their on-farm operations, we are committed to supporting our customers' sustainability efforts by, among other things, improving the recyclability of our packaging, promoting circular economy principles and working to limit food waste.”
Mr. Émile Cordeau, CEO
Here are a few examples of Agropur’s commitments and initiatives:
- In 2017, Agropur’s US plants began replacing fluorescent and HID lighting systems with LED systems. Today, all of our US plants use nearly 100% LED lighting, which saves more than 5 million kWh per year in energy consumption.
- In 2020, we implemented responsible packaging guidelines with the help of Groupe AGECO and the Fonds de développement de la transformation alimentaire. They promote an approach of optimization and reduction at source and contribute to the circular economy. Recently, Agropur developed new packaging for its OKA brand cheeses that is 100% recyclable and uses 43% fewer raw materials.
- In 2021, Agropur’s US operations joined Farmers for Sustainable Food, an organization that represents more than 230 US farms and promotes sustainable practices among food producers. In Canada, we launched our Sustainable Farms pilot project in 2022 to collect data on the animal welfare and environmental performance of farms and share best practices.
- As part of a circular economy project, Agropur collaborated with La Chaufferie, a distillery located in Granby, to develop an eco-friendly alcoholic beverage. La Crème d’icitte is made from milk permeate, which is a by-product of the ultrafiltration process.
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About Agropur
Founded in 1938, Agropur is celebrating its 85th anniversary in 2023. It is one of the top 20 dairy processors in the world, with sales of C$8.5 billion in 2022. With 30 plants across North America, Agropur is a leading supplier of products to the retail, foodservice and industrial sector and also boasts an impressive roster of respected consumer brands and products. Website: www.agropur.com.
Source: Agropur Dairy Cooperative
For more information
Guillaume Bérubé
Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications
Agropur Dairy Cooperative
438 506-5948