Dutch co-op's profit slumps
One of the world's largest dairy co-operatives is reporting a slump in half-year profits on the back of declining commodity prices and lower sales volumes.
European Dairy co-op FrieslandCampina will from next month sell its fresh milk and buttermilk in ‘bio-based’ cartons.
The already-paper cartons will have their caps and coatings made from certified-organic waste polyethylene.
FrieslandCampina says this innovation makes the container the most sustainable beverage carton ever. “The CO2 footprint of this bio-based milk carton is 20% lower than the current carton.”
The co-op’s managing director in the Netherlands, Berndt Kodden, recently presented a carton to Jacqueline Cramer, professor of sustainable innovation, Utrecht University.
Says Knodden, “In recent years our beverage carton has undergone a sustainable evolution. Now we [have] a bio-based milk carton in which we invest in the transition to renewable raw materials.”
Cramer says the carton fits perfectly within the movement to a ‘circular’ economy, where the raw material of the carton is completely renewable. “This step can work as a flywheel because the technology is accessible to everyone.”
The carton is a useful application of waste streams, the co-op says. The material supplier, Elopak, says it hopes the project will lead to an increase in demand for the certified bio-based cartons.
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
World Veterinary Day falls on Saturday 27 April.
The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith says it's important for his department to celebrate the success of a whole range of groups and people around the country.
A small company which mobilised veterinarians around the country to deal with Mycoplasma bovis was one of the winners in this year's Biosecurity Awards, held at Parliament.
One of the country's top Māori sheep and beef farms is facing a five-year battle to get back to where it was before Cyclone Gabrielle struck just over 14 months ago.
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