Major dairy brands lag on methane reduction

A recent report from the Changing Markets Foundation has revealed a troubling gap in the commitment of major dairy and coffee corporations to reduce methane emissions. Of the 20 companies assessed, only Danone has adopted a methane-specific target, committing to a 30% reduction in emissions from its fresh milk supply chain by 2030. This target aligns with the Global Methane Pledge, an international agreement launched at COP26 to reduce global methane emissions by 30% from 2020 levels by the end of the decade.

By contrast, other multinational players such as Nestlé and General Mills have made general climate commitments but continue to fall short on methane-specific plans. Given methane’s potency it traps roughly 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period this omission is significant. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, livestock emissions account for about 32% of human-caused methane emissions globally.

Danone stands out for its structured approach, which includes partnerships with organizations like the Environmental Defense Fund to implement changes in herd management, feed practices, and manure handling. The company’s action plan is further detailed in its 2023 methane report, which outlines a clear roadmap for reductions.

This stands in stark contrast to competitors who acknowledge the environmental impacts of their supply chains but lack the transparency or specificity in their emissions strategy. Many rely on carbon-neutral branding or vague net-zero promises, which often exclude methane or delay action to beyond 2030.

For companies in the dairy and coffee sectors, this disparity underscores a critical need for stronger regulatory oversight. The current reliance on voluntary corporate pledges has proven insufficient to address the urgency of methane mitigation. As highlighted by The Guardian, without binding targets and robust monitoring frameworks, these industries risk undermining global climate progress.

For readers interested in related themes, you may want to explore our recent articles on corporate climate accountability and emissions transparency in agriculture. Understanding how these intersect with global climate goals can help contextualize the role of methane in broader sustainability frameworks.

As pressure mounts from consumers, investors, and regulators alike, the opportunity to lead through concrete action has never been greater. If your organisation is exploring how to set or meet methane reduction targets, or you want to benchmark your sustainability strategy against industry leaders, consider scheduling a personalised strategy session with eco-shaper to explore actionable solutions tailored to your sustainability goals.