Revolutionizing Environmental Impact Measurement in Food Production: DSM-Firmenich's Groundbreaking Partnership

In a groundbreaking move, DSM-Firmenich, a leader in animal nutrition and health, has partnered with SaaS company Sustained to enable the translation of animal protein-level environmental data into product-level lifecycle assessments (LCAs). This innovative collaboration allows for a comprehensive analysis of consumer food products, including staples like milk, eggs, fish, and meat, providing valuable insights for emissions reduction, new product development, and regulatory compliance.

The lifecycle of dairy products, across all stages from farming and processing to distribution and consumption, adds a layer of complexity to the assessment process. - David Nickell, dsm-firmenich.

lmage: Getty/VLG

DSM-Firmenich's farm-level footprinting tool, Sustell, initially designed for capturing animal protein production emissions at the farm level, has evolved with this partnership. The collaboration with Sustained now empowers food producers to measure the environmental impact of specific consumer food products, extending from farm to fork. The resulting farm-to-fork footprint reports guide businesses in setting emissions reduction targets, developing new products, and meeting regulatory and labeling objectives.

The global shift towards sustainability-driven consumer choices has made environmental considerations a top priority, influencing over 70% of purchasing decisions. Acknowledging this trend, DSM-Firmenich aims to contribute to a more sustainable food industry by providing comprehensive environmental footprint information.

David Nickell, Vice President of Sustainability & Business Solutions at DSM-Firmenich, Animal Nutrition & Health, emphasized the evolution of environmental data platforms in animal farming, highlighting increased reporting demands and improved collaboration with supply chain partners. Both the Sustell and Sustained platforms adhere to the EU-recommended Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology, ensuring standardized and validated environmental footprint calculations across 19 impact categories.

Nickell discussed the limitations of first-generation tools, emphasizing the need for broader environmental impact metrics, including biodiversity and various greenhouse gases. He stressed the importance of interoperability and adaptability with supply chain partners to keep pace with reporting demands, ensuring compliance with ISO standards and third-party audits.

Sustell, DSM-Firmenich's tool for measuring emissions data from animal protein production, has been on the market for over two years. It covers multiple species, including pigs, poultry, dairy, and salmon, with plans for expansion into beef and shrimp production. The tool's success is demonstrated through a collaboration with Agrindus, a family-run dairy business in Brazil, which reduced carbon emissions by over 10% based on Sustell's insights.

Addressing challenges in translating protein-level environmental data into product-level LCAs, particularly in the dairy industry, Nickell emphasized the need for a collective effort within the dairy industry to standardize methodologies. Overcoming regional variations and diverse processing methods requires data transparency and technological advancements for accurate and meaningful product-level environmental impact assessments.

Looking ahead, DSM-Firmenich plans to expand its network of partners, facilitating the integration of Sustell across the entire value chain. The collaboration aims to catalyze a transformative shift towards a more environmentally conscious and sustainable food system.