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.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.