McDonald’s and FrieslandCampina have started a new collaboration aimed at an accelerated reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the production of dairy supplied to McDonald’s restaurants in the Netherlands and Belgium. This partnership underscores the companies’ dedication to combatting climate change and is aligned with their climate ambitions for 2050.
McDonald’s and FrieslandCampina have been working together for over 30 years. FrieslandCampina is a key supplier to McDonald’s, providing essential ingredients for beloved menu items such as McFlurry, Sundae, Milkshakes, and meat replacers like Valess. This partnership has evolved to encompass a broader mission, focusing on reducing the carbon footprint associated with dairy production.
The collaboration between FrieslandCampina and McDonald’s Netherlands and Belgium directly contributes to the reward of member dairy farms for their efforts, which will result in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 14% by 2025, compared to 2019. This is a step in a longer journey. By working together to accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the dairy supply chain, both companies aim to inspire others within the industry to follow suit and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Said Joost Elshof, Director Supply Chain, McDonald’s Netherlands: “Climate change is an environmental issue of our time. McDonald’s therefore wants to work with all its partners and suppliers throughout the chain on innovative solutions that limit the negative impact on the climate. With this extra dimension within our already great collaboration with FrieslandCampina, we come closer to our emission reduction goals of 2030 and our overall ambition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Investing in our chain in this way fits within the sustainability path that we as McDonald’s have taken.”
Added Roger Loo, President of Professional and Trading, FrieslandCampina: “FrieslandCampina is dedicated to producing dairy in a sustainable way. We measure and track our progress and drive improvement. Over the years, our efforts have resulted in a decrease in the carbon footprint of our dairy products. Our dairy farmers have played a crucial role in this achievement through their commitment to making their dairy farms more and more sustainable. Collaborating with valuable partners such as McDonald’s is crucial in our mission to create a positive impact. Through this partnership, we can continue to support and reward our member dairy farmers.”
The partnership between FrieslandCampina and McDonald’s contributes to the support and rewards for farmers. Examples of measures farmers take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are lengthening the grazing season, the use of feed with a lower footprint, the use of feed additives to lower methane emissions, and separating manure and urine on the farm. Many member dairy farmers also generate renewable energy, which subsequently is used on the FrieslandCampina’s production sites. FrieslandCampina.com
