Fonterra’s Simply Milk is the first carbon-zero developed milk in the southern hemisphere, with New Zealanders among the first to try and buy the new product.
Simply Milk is a collaboration between New Zealand co-operatives, Fonterra and Foodstuffs North Island. It has been certified carbon-zero through the purchase of carbon credits from Toitū Envirocare, a subsidiary of Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, a government-owned Crown Research Institute.
Toitū Envirocare evaluates the carbon emissions in making Simply Milk, from farm to store fridge, and then to the consumer’s home. The estimated footprint takes a number of factors into consideration such as farming, production, distribution, consumption and disposal.
Fonterra director of global sustainability Carolyn Mortland said Simply Milk was a good example of how the company maintains its sustainability goals.
“Reaching net zero by 2050 requires all New Zealand businesses to start measuring and reducing their emissions now. Developing low carbon technologies is vital but will take time, and Fonterra and Foodstuffs North Island are demonstrating that in the meantime it’s possible to take meaningful action,” said Mortland.
New Zealanders are proud of our country’s reputation and we recognise that a healthy environment is a big part of this. With Simply Milk we have a practical way to demonstrate their support for the environment.”
“Simply Milk will enable us to support the regeneration of 7.5 square kilometres of native forest near Kaikoura, as well as renewable energy programmes in overseas markets where Fonterra sells its products.”
Simply Milk will be available in New World, PAK’nSAVE and Four Squares in the North Island.
