The company also announced it is resetting its emissions reduction targets.
Synlait CEO Leon Clement said, “Today, we are proud to launch Made With Better Milk, a value-add premium ingredients offering that is built upon the sustainability credentials of Synlait’s best practice Lead With Pride farming system, our integrated manufacturing and supply chain, and our people and planet-focused B Corp certified business.
"New Zealand made milk nutrition ingredients are well known for quality and safety. However, as we compete with other countries and categories in the food industry, we need to keep raising the game to differentiate ourselves. That game is being played out in terms of environmental and social performance and we’re excited about having a product that allows us to better meet what our customers are asking for.”
Director sustainability and brand Hamish Reid added, “The choices we make about what to eat and drink have a significant impact on the planet and people, which is why today, global consumers are seeking assurances that products are not just healthy, but sustainably, ethically and equitably produced. Our customers have been asking for this and we can now deliver upon the promise.”
Synlait’s inaugural Made With Better Milk customer is a consumer brand owner in Asia.
The Made With Better Milk range initially includes whole milk and skim milk powder.
Emissions reduction targets
The change in emissions reduction targets, covering greenhouse gas emissions from Synlait’s operations (scope 1 and 2), are an upgrade of the company’s inaugural sustainability targets launched in 2018.
The reset targets, approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), align with the New Zealand Government’s commitment to keep warming to 1.5°C, and will reduce: absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 45% between FY20 and FY28; and Scope 3 GHG emissions from on-farm purchased goods and services by 30% per kgMS between FY20 and FY28.
Synlait’s target for on-farm (scope 3) emissions is unchanged as it already meets the SBTi’s criteria for value chain goals.
Reid said, “This is another big step for Synlait, further boosting our sustainability program and commitment to people and planet. The upgraded targets ensure that our pledge to lower Synlait’s impact on Papatūānuku is backed by climate science, giving us increased clarity on what action we need to take.”
Synlait has had a decarbonization plan in place since 2018. The program started with the commissioning of New Zealand’s first large-scale electrode boiler at Synlait Dunsandel.