BROOMFIELD, COLO. — Horizon Organic is aiming to be the first national dairy brand to become carbon positive across its full supply chain. The brand, which is part of Danone North America, unveiled a new commitment to go beyond net-zero emissions and eliminate more carbon than it produces by 2025.
“Climate change is the challenge of our lifetime — we are out of time on this issue — food and farming must evolve,” said Mariano Lozano, chief executive officer of Danone North America. “This includes helping our farmer partners implement breakthrough regenerative soil practices, cow feed and diet management programs, and energy efficiency.”
The brand aims to make the new Growing Years whole milk half gallons its first certified carbon neutral product by the end of 2021.
Horizon Organic also will work with more than 600 direct farmer partners to reach its goal. This includes launching the Horizon Farmer Investment fund, a $15 million effort to provide capital, training, technology and tools needed to advance sustainable farming. The brand also will focus on packaging improvement, with the goal of having 100% of its beverage carton certified by the Forest Stewardship Council by the end of the year.
Horizon Organic has begun the certification process with the Carbon Trust and is working with several other organizations, including The Organic Trade Association and Green America’s Center for Sustainability Solutions.
“The Carbon Trust is proud to partner with Horizon Organic to certify products as carbon neutral as they deliver on their plans,” said Hugh Jones, managing director of business services at The Carbon Trust. “We applaud their ambition to achieve carbon neutrality and go beyond toward carbon positive, removing more carbon than they emit.”