Arla named Sweden's greenest food producer

Arla-named-Sweden-s-greenest-food-producer.jpg
The Differ survey analyzed specific industries and companies based on their current and future climate impact. Pic: Arla Foods

In consulting company Differ’s annual consumer survey, Arla has been named Sweden's greenest brand 2022 in the food producer category.

The survey was completed by more than 1,000 respondents aged 15-74 and measures attitudes and trends for how consumers view sustainability. The survey started in 2008 and is currently carried out on Swedish companies in 13 different industries.

This year, Differ analyzed specific industries and companies based on their current and future climate impact.

“We are incredibly proud to receive this award. Sustainability work permeates our entire value chain from farm to fork. The fact that Arla is voted Sweden's greenest brand in the food producer category shows that we reach consumers with our progress,” said Victoria Olsson, head of sustainability, Arla Sweden.

Arla, the world’s largest producer of organic dairy products, said its farmers are among the most climate-efficient dairy farmers in the world: In the last two years, they have carried out extensive climate calculations on their farms and the results form the basis for further work on emission reduction measures.

From the beginning of 2022, Arla's organic farms have been mapping biodiversity and soil health.

The company’s dairies also buy 100% renewable electricity, and are working on the phasing out fossil fuel.  Arla's own trucks have been 100% fossil-free since 2018.

Arla said it is also reducing the amount of plastic in its packaging, and increasing the proportion of renewable material and increasing recyclability. The goal is to achieve 100% recyclable packaging by 2025.

In 2021, Arla said, together with customers through the Arla Deals initiative, 873 tonnes of food in Sweden were saved.

Arla has recently tightened its climate targets to be in line with the Paris Agreement's 1.5-degree target. This means emissions from own operations and purchased electricity and heat will be reduced by 63% by 2030 compared with 2015. The indirect emissions that primarily come from biogenic emissions on farms will be reduced by 30% per kilo of milk.

The goals and action plan are scientifically based and have been approved by The Science Based Targets initiative.