The scheme, launched in 2008, was broadened having only been applicable previously to the liquid-milk supply chain, which accounts for around 50 per cent of production in the sector.
“The subsequent success of the initiative has encouraged the industry to extend the approach and targets to all products, including cheese, yoghurt, butter, milk powders etc., “ Dairy UK spokesperson Sam Fortescue told DairyReporter.com.
Farming Minister Jim Paice said the decision would see “the whole industry coming together to set clear goals and take responsibility for reducing emissions of the whole of the dairy supply chain”.
Fortescue added that while larger firms would find it easier to meet targets, small businesses had met targets under the previous regime through innovative new technologies, such as BV Dairies liquid anaerobic digestion system
The Roadmap targets
The roadmap outlines 2015 and 2020 emission reduction targets for the entire supply chain, from farmers and processors to retailers.
Goals include a 20 per cent absolute reduction of water use for large processors by 2015 and 30 per cent recycled material in packaging. These figures are expected to increase to 30 and 50 per cent respectively by 2020.
The targets are to be applied to small and large businesses alike across the entire sector, although larger processors are being asked to meet objectives before the rest of the industry to ensure goals are met.
Green outlook
Asked whether manufacturers of the latest insertions would find it difficult to achieve aims which had been set specifically for milk in 2008, DairyCo research manager Dr Karen Wonnacott said: “We appreciate that there will be challenges to some products to meet these targets, but that is the aim of the Milk Roadmap - to keep challenging the industry and make sure we continue to move forward in this area.”
In comments made to this site, DairyUK head Jim Begg said: “The Roadmap is, and will remain, the focus for the industry’s many initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make dairy products more sustainable.” Chairman of the Roadmap, Tim Bennett added that the extension showed the industry’s commitment to environmental issues.