Tetra Pak, a global leader in food processing and packaging solutions, recently endorsed the Paris Dairy Declaration on Sustainability during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. This declaration, spearheaded by the International Dairy Federation (IDF) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), underscores the dairy sector’s commitment to advancing sustainability across environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
The Significance of the Declaration
Launched during the IDF World Dairy Summit in October 2024, the Paris Dairy Declaration builds on the Dairy Declaration of Rotterdam from 2016. It aims to address key global challenges, including climate action, food security, and resource stewardship, aligning closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By highlighting tangible commitments from dairy operators worldwide, it sends a strong message of accountability and progress to governments and the public.
Tetra Pak’s Role in Sustainability
Charles Brand, Tetra Pak’s Executive Vice President for Processing Solutions and Equipment, emphasized the company’s deep-rooted history in the dairy industry and its commitment to sustainable transformation. Tetra Pak’s support for the declaration aligns with its broader goals of reducing the environmental impact of food systems. This move is expected to inspire further collaboration and innovation across the sector.
The Broader Dairy Sector’s Achievements
The dairy industry has made significant strides in sustainability, including:
- A nearly 11% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions intensity from 2005 to 2015, despite a 30% increase in global dairy production.
- Adoption of innovative practices like methane-reducing feed additives and improved manure management.
- Integration of sustainability frameworks such as the Dairy Sustainability Framework and Pathways to Dairy Net Zero.
Challenges Ahead
While progress is evident, achieving the declaration’s ambitious goals requires supportive policies, research funding, and cross-sector collaboration. Efforts must focus on scaling innovative technologies and ensuring equitable solutions for smallholder farmers who make up a significant portion of the dairy supply chain.
Tetra Pak’s endorsement at COP29 is not just a symbolic gesture but a call to action for the global dairy sector to intensify efforts toward a sustainable future. The initiative highlights the interconnectedness of food systems, climate change, and global nutrition, reaffirming the dairy industry’s vital role in addressing these challenges.
