Danone has confirmed a 25 percent reduction in methane emissions from its fresh milk supply since 2020. This marks significant progress towards its 2030 goal of a 30 percent cut, aligned with the Science-Based Target initiative (SBTi). This corporate sustainability milestone places the company ahead of many of its global peers. However, as regulatory and market pressures intensify, this achievement also raises a broader question: is the rest of the industry ready to catch up? Below, we explore how Danone’s sustainability strategy is translating into tangible returns.Â
A blueprint for others in the sector
The significance of this achievement lies in its focus: milk accounts for over 70 percent of Danone’s methane emissions and more than half of its agricultural carbon footprint. The company’s Dairy Methane Action Plan (DMAP) is now becoming a roadmap for others in the sector.
The core of the Danone sustainability strategy lies in supplier engagement. On-the-ground interventions include optimising feed and herd management, improving manure handling, and enhancing data systems. Importantly, these initiatives are designed in collaboration with farmers, ensuring the dual goal of emission reduction and long-term farm viability.
As part of this effort, Danone is also scaling innovation. Its recent MoU with Sistema.bio, for example, will see 6,500 biodigesters deployed by 2030, converting livestock waste into renewable energy and organic fertiliser. Pilots are already underway in Mexico, Morocco, and India, with a focus on smallholder farmers who make up the bulk of Danone’s supply base.
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Competitors are getting left behind
Despite this progress, Danone’s leadership is not yet the industry norm. A recent report by the Changing Markets Foundation found that only Danone and General Mills, among major food and dairy brands, had shown credible progress in cutting methane emissions. Many household names, including some of the world’s largest grocery chains, have yet to make even basic commitments.
This accountability gap is troubling. Methane is responsible for a significant share of global warming, yet its relatively short atmospheric lifespan means reductions can generate faster climate wins than COâ‚‚-focused strategies alone. Organisations across the food and retail ecosystem risk falling behind unless they take targeted action now. This is not just about meeting climate goals but protecting profitability, supply chain resilience, and investor confidence.
Final thoughts
Danone’s progress is underpinned by a robust Danone sustainability strategy, innovation, and building workforce capability. These are not siloed actions, they are organisation-wide investments that build resilience and unlock value. At ISS, we work with businesses across manufacturing and supply chain-intensive sectors to build real sustainability skills. If you’re a business in the food and beverage sector, don’t get left behind. Talk to us today about our comprehensive sustainability education for employees and start using sustainability as a growth lever.Â
