The future of our industry is dependent on a healthy planet. Whether it’s climate change and emissions policy, packaging, water, the wellbeing of our people, or animal welfare, sustainable operation is fundamental to Australian dairy processors’ future success.
ADPF believes in the importance of sustainability and we’re working with our members to create a more sustainable dairy industry that makes better use of natural resources through knowledge sharing and a whole-of-industry response.
ADPF supports the Australian Dairy Industry Sustainability Framework, which reflects where the Australian dairy industry stands on key sustainability risks: climate change, animal welfare, human health and nutrition, food waste and industry profitability.
ADPF supports the Dairy Manufacturers Sustainability Council (DMSC), a nationally-recognised community of practice comprised primarily of environmental and sustainability support managers from Australian dairy processors.
Water is an essential component of Australian’s nutrition needs and food security.
Therefore, sustainable access to water is critical to the future success of the Australian dairy industry.
The dairy industry is sustained by farmers and processors, who operate side-by-side in regional communities. On the issue of water, processors and farmers speak as one.
Specifically, on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan Dairy processors can bring a tight commercial focus to any discussion about water.
ADPF recognises the role manufacturers must play in reducing water consumption. As outlined in the Australian Dairy Industry Sustainability Framework, Australian dairy manufacturers are targeting a 30% reduction in the consumptive water intensity of dairy companies on 2010-11 levels by 2030.
In 2019, dairy manufacturers consumed 1.91 ML of water per ML of milk processed – the 2030 target is 1.22 ML of water consumer per ML of milk processed.
Our focus:
The cost and secure supply of water are critical factors to how we run our businesses and make long-term investment decisions.
Farmers need confidence and certainty to grow their businesses and create the jobs our country desperately needs.
Processors are playing their part through greater innovation through Research and Development. Government must now play theirs.
The ADPF has a role in ensuring government is aware of the water challenges and opportunities needed by farmers, to succeed.
In October 2021, the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) launched the ‘Australian Dairy Sustainable Packaging Roadmap to 2025’ alongside Dairy Australia and ADPF.
This comprehensive resource looks at the current state of play regarding sustainable packaging in the dairy industry and what needs to be done as the industry works towards achieving the 2025 National Packaging Targets.
Considerable progress has already been made by dairy manufacturers, but the industry continues to face a series of barriers and challenges.
The roadmap provides a collective vision and framework for improving the sustainability of dairy packaging moving forward. It also provides the direction for the industry on the progress now required, highlighting opportunities for collaboration on the road towards the 2025 Targets and the development of a sustainable circular packaging ecosystem in Australia.
Work continues to progress baseline data for the various strategic initiatives and identifying and addressing the barriers to achieving the 2025 targets.
Access the Roadmap here.
In May 2022, a new Recycled Materials Pledge Initiative was also launched to drive greater uptake of recycled materials in packaging. Increasing the use of recycled content is a core element of the 2025 National Packaging Targets and a critical factor in the establishment of a true circular economy for sustainable packaging in Australia.
More information is available on the APCO website.
ADPF recognises the role manufacturers must play in developing more sustainable packaging. As outlined in the Australian Dairy Industry Sustainability Framework, we are targeting 100% landfill diversion rate by 2030.
We are also committed to the Australian Government endorsed 2025 National Packaging Targets, delivered by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO). Currently, 10 dairy companies in Australia participate in the APCO or equivalent scheme.
We’re committed to supporting members in reaching packaging targets through developing industry resources, sharing knowledge and best practice case studies, communicating progress to highlight achievements and influencing policy and regulation.
Dairy farmers are passionate about what they do, and they care about their animals. However, it’s not just the responsibility of farmers, but rather the whole dairy supply chain, to ensure only the highest standards of animal welfare are accepted.
Alongside the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC), ADPF has committed to supporting the voluntary phase out of routine calving induction by the end of 2021.
This commitment is in line with consumer expectations and ADPF is proud to be a leading voice in this space.
Join some of Australia’s most well known dairy manufacturers by becoming a member of ADPF. Members of the ADPF have exclusive access to key resources and industry information, as well as our catalogue of eNewsletters.