Climate action across our value chain
We provide millions of people around the world with nutrition through our dairy products. Together with our member dairy farmers, suppliers, customers and other partners, we work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the dairy value chain.
Climate change is one of the key environmental challenges facing food production. Our focus is on reducing emissions in dairy farming, transport, processing, packaging and sourcing. Through science-based targets, innovation and collaboration across the value chain, we work towards our climate ambition for 2030 and 2050.
Our Climate Plan outlines our climate approach, targets and actions. We report annually on our progress in our Annual Report.
Our 2030 climate targets
FLAG and non-FLAG
We have submitted our near-term greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). These targets have been validated by SBTi and cover reductions towards 2030. In line with SBTi requirements, our emissions reduction targets are divided into:
- FLAG emissions (Forest, Land and Agriculture)
- Non-FLAG emissions (Energy & Industry)
These categories reflect the different sources of greenhouse gas emissions within our operations and value chain. By 2030, FrieslandCampina has committed to:
- reduce FLAG emissions by 30.3 percent compared with the 2020 base year
- reduce non-FLAG emissions by 42.13 percent compared with the 2020 base year
These science-based targets are aligned with the ambition of the Paris Climate Agreement to limit global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Progress towards our 2030 climate targets
Our reported results show progress towards our climate targets across the dairy value chain, from ‘grass to glass’.
Greenhouse gas reduction 2025
The overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions further improved in 2025. FLAG emissions are 19.1% lower than in the 2020 base year (2024: -17.6%). Non-FLAG emissions decreased by 16.1% (2024: -15.9%).
Total emissions from milk production on member dairy farms increased slightly (+0.6%), mainly because member farmers supplied more milk in 2025. At the same time, emissions per kilogram of member milk declined. This improvement is mainly due to lower energy use on farms. Changes in feed and sourcing also played a role.
Working together to reduce emissions
Reducing emissions requires collaboration across the dairy value chain. Together with member dairy farmers, suppliers, customers, scientists and governments, we work on initiatives that support emissions reduction.
Supporting dairy farmers
Through Foqus planet, we collect farm-level data that helps provide insight into environmental performance indicators. This enables us to measure farm-level environmental performance indicators and reward member dairy farmers based on their performance.Accelerating climate actions with customers
Together with large international customers, we support and remunerate dairy farmers for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in milk production, supporting further emissions reduction efforts on dairy farms.Unlocking innovations for dairy farming
Innovation plays an important role in reducing emissions. We work together with various partners to unlock innovations that have the potential of lowering the impact on climate. We conduct pilots on member dairy farms to assess their emissions-reduction potential, practical feasibility and possible effects on animal health and milk quality.
How are emissions from member dairy farms calculated?
All member dairy farms are required to calculate the greenhouse gas footprint of their farms annually through the Central Database KringloopWijzer. This calculation follows the LCA protocol of the International Dairy Federation and the EU PEF Category Rules for dairy. This requires detailed information on inputs such as roughage production and quality. Data on the nutritional composition and CO2eq. impact of compound feed is provided by feed companies. They calculate this according to the EU PEF Category Rules for Feed and submit it via the Feed Database. FrieslandCampina receives the total greenhouse gas emissions per farm, calculates a statistical average, and multiplies this by the total volume of milk supplied. This produces the total scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. These are published annually and compared to the previous year, as detailed in the annual report. Want to know more? Read our methodology report here.
Regenerative agriculture
At FrieslandCampina, we work on regenerative agriculture, with a focus on climate, soil, water, biodiversity and animal welfare. We see regenerative agriculture as a promising approach that may help strengthen the long-term resilience of our member dairy farms.
Climate related topics
Climate action is connected to multiple areas across our dairy value chain. Learn more about the topics that support our emissions reduction efforts.
Responsible sourcing
Milk is the primary raw material in most of our products, but we also source other agricultural raw materials. Emissions associated with the production, processing and transport of these materials are part of our value chain and are included in our climate approach.Water and waste
Water, energy use and greenhouse gas emissions are closely connected. Improving water efficiency and increasing the circular use of by-products can contribute to lower emissions across our operations.Packaging
To ensure our products reach our customers and consumers protected and safe, we use various packaging materials. This requires raw materials and energy. We work to reduce the environmental impact of packaging through material innovation, circular solutions and emissions reduction initiatives.
