Caring for our planet
We aim to achieve netZERO latest by 2050, while driving circularity across our operations.
As a milk processor, our business depends on a healthy environment. That makes it one of the most important areas of action in our sustainability model.
We have therefore set ourselves clear and ambitious targets: we aim to reduce our CO2e footprint at all stages of the value chain, lower our water consumption and reduce waste. We are also working on more circular packaging solutions in order to reduce waste and costs.
Reducing emissions
netZERO 2050 vision
With our netZERO 2050 vision, we are extending our CO2e reduction targets to our entire value chain and moving towards a net-zero pathway. The science-based CO2e reduction targets based on the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) are of particular importance here. Our targets were first validated by SBTi in 2021 and are guided by the Paris Climate Agreement.
We recalculated and successfully validated our SBTi targets in 2025. Regular recalculations are an integral part of the SBTi process. The growth of the Emmi Group through acquisitions requires recalculation and revalidation, in addition to sector-specific SBTi requirements. The updated reduction pathway aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 46% by 2031 compared to the 2023 base year. We aim to reduce Scope 3 (non-FLAG) emissions by 46% and are committed to reducing Scope 3 (FLAG) emissions by 33%, both by 2031 and compared to the 2023 base year. These ambitious interim targets are part of our long-term commitment to achieving netZERO by 2050.
We are consistently continuing with our ongoing measures and targeting our resources specifically at projects that make a visible contribution to reducing emissions. To this end, we are revising the decarbonisation roadmap, which identifies potential for reduction across the Group. We are focused in particular on our Scope 3 emissions, which account for more than 98% of our CO2e footprint. To make progress, we are relying on our flagship projects that offer considerable leverage:
- KlimaStaR Milk: an industry initiative to reduce emissions from milk production in Switzerland by 20% by 2027, with savings of 12,000 tonnes of CO2e anticipated annually. In the first two years of the KlimaStaR Milk project (2022–2024), the participating farms were able to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 4.9%. The findings of this project are also incorporated into our international sustainability efforts.
- Promoting climate-friendly milk production in our international markets: Brazil and Chile are compiling their databases and planning site-specific measures aimed at reducing emissions. With “LPA Low Carbon”, our Brazilian subsidiary Laticínios Porto Alegre is pursuing the goal of systematically measuring emissions in milk production and reducing them with targeted measures. Initial pilot operations are providing representative data to identify sustainable practices and engage customers.
- Sustainable Swiss Milk industry standard: since February 2024, 100% of our Swiss milk suppliers have been meeting the requirements set by the “Sustainable Swiss Milk” industry standard, and the associated animal welfare and feeding requirements. Despite having achieved its objectives, Emmi continues to play a role in its further development.
Information on current developments can be found in the Sustainability Report
Reducing waste
We are committed to strengthening the circular economy and aim to halve waste and food waste at our own sites by 2027. By 2027 at the latest, the remaining waste will not be allowed to be disposed of in landfill sites. The packaging of our food is also very important to us and our consumers. We are aiming for 100 % recyclability and the use of at least 30 % recycled material by 2027.
> Support for the UN Sustainable Development Goals
The circular economy as a shared task
Wherever possible, we use recyclable materials for new packaging. A holistic, circular packaging landscape relies on a uniform and functioning recycling infrastructure. This requires coordination and cooperation with various stakeholders. In Switzerland, cooperation to promote the circular economy has already taken shape in recent years, as shown by the example of the voluntary industry organisation RecyPac. As a founding member of this organisation, we are committed to collecting plastic packaging throughout Switzerland.
PET drinks bottles are already well established in Switzerland, both for collection and recycling, thanks to the PET Recycling Switzerland association. In 2024, we launched an innovative white PET drinks bottle on the Swiss market that contains light protection for light-sensitive dairy products. With the gradual switch from HDPE to PET drinks bottles, we are focusing on recyclable packaging. The bottle currently consists of 25 % recycled material.
Reduce avoidable waste
When dealing with waste, the Emmi Group’s motto is “avoid, reduce, recycle”. This means that avoidable inorganic waste is reduced as a matter of priority. For the remaining quantities, solutions are sought to reuse or recycle the materials and thus return them to the circular economy.
Distribution of food of impeccable quality
Our top priority is that no quality food is thrown away. We offer surplus or incorrectly packaged products that are still in perfect condition at reduced prices in factory shops, make them available to employees or donate them to charitable organisations. Emmi is also constantly looking for new options and partnerships to make further use of by-products.
Information on current developments can be found in the Sustainability Report
Reducing water use
Clean water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource in some regions. For this reason, we are emphasising arid risk areas, where we are committed to reducing the fresh water consumption in our facilities by 50% by 2027. In other countries, we are aiming for a reduction of 15%.
> Support for the UN Sustainable Development Goals
The Emmi Group controls water management at all its production sites via systematic environmental management. We are aware that the impact of our production activities on water varies greatly from country to country. To identify water risk areas and set regional priorities, we analysed the water risks at a specific location using the “WWF Water Risk Filter” based on 12 criteria. In classifying production facilities, Emmi focuses on the four risk categories of physical risk: water scarcity, flooding, water quality and state of ecosystem services.
Information on current developments can be found in the Sustainability Report
