Agropur commits to reducing GHG emissions 30% by 2031
Longueuil (Québec), April 26, 2023 – Agropur is pleased to announce that its greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The Cooperative is therefore committed to reducing 30% of the 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 by 2031. Agropur is also working actively with dairy industry leaders across Canada and the United States to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
In order to reach its science-based targets, Agropur will continue its efforts to increase energy efficiency and the percentage of renewable energy sourced, both in Canada and the United States. It is worth noting that in Canada, 54% of the electricity consumed by Agropur’s facilities comes from renewable energy sources such as hydroelectricity, solar energy, wind energy or tidal energy. For its U.S. operations, Agropur has been able to reduce its energy intensity by approximately 7.5% since 2016.
SBTi is a partnership between 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 have used Science Based Targets methodology to establish their commitments.
Agropur presented its report on its environmental, social and governance performance this September. To read the report: www.agropur.com/en/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, demonstrate our determination to move towards 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 U.S. plants began replacing fluorescent and HID lighting systems with LED systems. Today, all of our U.S. plants use nearly 100% LED lighting, saving over 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% less raw materials.
- In 2021, in the U.S, Agropur joined Farmers for Sustainable Food, an organization representing more than 230 farms in the United States that promotes sustainable practices among food producers. In Canada, we launched in 2022 our Sustainable Farms pilot project to collect data on the animal welfare and environmental performance of farms and to 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, 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. The Cooperative is a source of pride for its nearly 3,000 members and 7,350 employees who work together in pursuit of the same vision: “Better dairy. Better world.” With 30 plants across North America, Agropur is a leading supplier of products to the retail, foodservice and industrial sector with an impressive 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