Danone plans carbon neutral NZ business

The company says it is working with its New Zealand suppliers and farmers to “foster regenerative agricultural practices and improve soil health, continue to invest in decarbonisation of operations and focus on packaging”.

Karicare carbon emissions associated with operations is a significant area of focus for Danone. 

A $30 million biomass boiler to provide renewable heat at its spray drying facility in Balclutha will be operational next year, eliminating around 20,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year.  

Danone will also move to 100% renewable electricity for all its New Zealand plants next year. It says between the move to renewable energy and biomass-based heating, the total operational CO₂ emissions at the Balclutha plant will be reduced by 95%.

It is also working to eliminate unneeded packaging, or design it for recycling, reusing or composting.

Managing director Nutricia Oceania, Rodrigo Lima, says Karicare’s journey to carbon neutrality is greatly aided by its production in New Zealand.

“At Danone, our core belief is that the health of the planet and health of people are interconnected. 

“That’s why we’re committed to taking real steps that help us bring our products to market in a way that minimises any impact on climate change, including transitioning production of our milk formula products to practices that are more sustainable.”