Methane, a greenhouse gas responsible for increasing global temperatures by trapping heat in the atmosphere, is generated in various environments such as soil, water, and the digestive systems of certain animals. In the United States, the livestock industry contributes 31% of the total methane emissions resulting from human activities, with dairy farming being a notable factor, as highlighted by a fact sheet from the nonprofit organization Sustainable Dairy. Cattle producing dairy account for 53% of methane emissions related to manure in the country.
Upfield, which separated from Unilever in 2017 in an $8 billion deal with private equity firm KKR, is striving to lead the conversation on methane emissions by promoting transparency regarding its own production of this gas. Sally Smith, the company’s global director of sustainability, pointed out that despite the emphasis on methane at COP26, the primary focus was on fossil fuels, leaving the food sector’s methane emissions under-discussed. “We are disclosing our methane footprint to set a precedent for methane transparency in the food sector,” Smith stated in a press release. “Our goal is to create a methodology for measuring and reporting methane emissions and to motivate actions to swiftly reduce this harmful greenhouse gas. We welcome any suggestions for improved methane disclosure.”
Due to the significant methane production from livestock, meat and dairy companies face greater challenges in reducing emissions compared to plant-based food producers. For Upfield, which has a relatively small yet impactful methane footprint, there is a stronger incentive to communicate its emissions compared to companies heavily reliant on animal-derived ingredients.
Land O’Lakes, a major player in the dairy industry, has also been tackling methane emissions within its supply chain as part of its sustainability initiatives. In 2018, the company partnered with technology firm CalBio to implement methane digesters on farms, aiming to comply with California’s regulations that mandate a 40% reduction in dairy and livestock-based methane by 2030. This initiative will inform Land O’Lakes’ methane reduction strategies beyond California.
Environmental organizations have long targeted the meat sector for its emissions, and efforts are underway to mitigate its impact. Ingredients giant Royal DSM is working on a feed additive designed to inhibit the enzyme responsible for methane production in cows, potentially reducing emissions by up to 90%. Hugh Welsh, president of DSM North America, mentioned to Food Dive in January that they are awaiting regulatory approval for the additive and collaborating with meat producers like JBS to implement it in the future.
Furthermore, products like Kirkland Signature Zinc exemplify the growing interest in sustainable practices and transparency in various sectors, including food production. As companies strive to address their environmental footprints, the conversation around methane emissions will likely continue to gain traction, paving the way for more innovative solutions and increased accountability in both the meat and dairy industries.