How Environmental Product Declarations Support Feed and Animal Protein Producers on their Sustainability Journey

In today's marketplace, sustainability has emerged as a driving force, with consumers and lawmakers increasingly seeking transparency in the animal production process. Recognizing this need, dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health has taken a proactive step by introducing its environmental product declaration (EPD) project. This initiative aims to equip feed and animal protein producers, with comprehensive information about the environmental impact of dsm-firmenich's feed additive solutions, enabling them to make more sustainable choices.

Definition

Environmental product declarations (or EPDs) are technical documents known that provide customers with a detailed overview of the environmental footprint per kilogram of dsm-firmenich products, encompassing various impact categories such as carbon footprint, energy consumption, waste generation, and emissions. By launching this initiative, dsm-firmenich demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and supports its customers in meeting the growing demand for sustainable practices and products.

How EPDs differ from life cycle assessments

EPDs are reporting documents that build upon the methodology of Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs). LCAs comprehensively evaluate a product's environmental impact throughout its entire life cycle, considering factors such as raw material extraction, manufacturing, usage, and disposal. In contrast, EPDs summarize the results of LCAs for specific products, providing standardized and verified information on the environmental impact from "cradle-to-gate." EPDs offer producers a consistent and understandable way to communicate their products' environmental performance.

Benefits of EPDs for feed and animal protein producers

EPDs provide transparent information about the environmental impact of dsm-firmenich products, including carbon footprint, water scarcity and resource use. By utilizing EPDs, producers can make informed decisions and choose products with a lower environmental footprint, for example to reduce their own carbon footprint. Additionally, EPDs enable producers to understand the environmental impact of their own products, allowing them to communicate this information to increasingly sustainability-conscious customers. Embracing EPDs aligns producers with the growing demand for sustainable products and practices and contributes to their long-term success.

Credibility and objectivity of data

To guarantee the credibility and objectivity of EPD data, dsm-firmenich employs a rigorous approach. The data used in EPDs are based on primary data, reflecting dsm-firmenich's own consumption of raw materials and energy during production. Furthermore, dsm-firmenich's EPDs undergo third-party assurance by external partner DNV Assurance B.V., ensuring compliance with international life cycle assessment standards (ISO 14021:2016) and providing credible and objective information to customers.

Why sustainability should remain a priority

While producers face immediate pressures such as cost considerations and animal diseases, prioritizing sustainability initiatives and EPDs is essential for long-term success. Measuring and understanding the environmental footprint of animal protein production allows producers to identify and implement improvements that enhance efficiency and sustainability. It enables informed decision-making, supports meeting emissions targets, and unlocks value through sustainable finance, eco-labeling, and best practice recognition. As environmental boundaries tighten, the adoption of credible and transparent sustainability metrics becomes paramount to future-proofing businesses.

How dsm-firmenich supports customers with EPDs

dsm-firmenich is committed to supporting its customers in their sustainability goals. To improve understanding and utilization of EPDs, dsm-firmenich provides training and educational materials to customers. Furthermore, dsm-firmenich engages with stakeholders across the value chain to promote the adoption of EPDs and raise awareness of their importance in driving sustainable production. Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing, dsm-firmenich empowers customers to make sustainable choices and reduce their environmental footprints, working towards a more sustainable future.

How to access dsm-firmenich EPDs

dsm-firmenich's EPDs are available free of charge to clients. Customers can obtain further information through their dsm-firmenich representative and access the EPDs via the dsm-firmenich customer portal, which provides convenient and easy-to-retrieve information.

Conclusion

By embracing EPDs, feed and animal protein producers can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, make informed decisions, and meet the demands of environmentally conscious consumers. dsm-firmenich's EPDs serve as a valuable tool in the industry's sustainability journey, empowering producers to create a more sustainable future for all stakeholders involved.