Debuting in North America, and available in Europe from April, NZMP said the new Organic Butter will help its customers achieve their own sustainability goals and meet consumer demand for more sustainable products, as well as signal environmental values, and grow brand preference and market share through differentiated products.
Hans Huistra, Fonterra’s president for Europe and Africa, said, “The launch of Organic Butter in North America provides an indication of the path we’re on globally. Our European customers currently have access to our sustainability expertise and capabilities. So it’s exciting to be able to offer carbonzero certified ingredients like our NZMP Organic Butter, and further build on the value we’re offering to our customers in this space.”
According to FMCG Gurus, 72% of global consumers express an interest in brands that actively communicate achievements around sustainability, so NZMP said the introduction of carbonzero ingredients is one way its customers can leverage Fonterra’s Sustainability Solutions.
NZMP’s first certified carbonzero ingredient has been audited and verified by Toitū Envirocare, an independent certifier.
Lara Phillips, senior manager of Fonterra Sustainability Solutions, said, “Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time and we’re committed to finding solutions to reduce our footprint further as part of our ongoing journey in sustainability.
“To obtain carbonzero certification for an ingredient, Toitū audits and verifies the carbon emissions for that ingredient across the supply chain. We also have to demonstrate how we have reduced our emissions to date, as well as the plan we have in place to reduce our emissions further.”
Phillips said the final step in the certification is offsetting the verified carbon footprint with high quality carbon credits approved by Toitū, for example from native forest regeneration or renewable energy projects.
“By going through this process, it can help customers reduce emissions in their supply chain and enable consumers to buy products that make a difference,” she said.
“Achieving carbonzero certification for products like Organic Butter is a great way for us to help our customers and the environment in the short-term, while we work towards net zero in our operations.”