Udder-ly serious about lowering our emissions to make chocolate more sustainable: How our Associate Mark is helping cows burp less
Did you know that dairy is the second largest contributor to our carbon hoofprint (ahem, footprint) in our Snacking business? We're not just aware of it – we're taking action.
Over 200,000 cows play a crucial role in crafting our delicious chocolate treats savored worldwide. But here’s the scoop: cows do emit gases, alongside other by-products like manure. As do the resources needed for their feed, which create emissions that affect our environment.
Our Sustainable in a Generation Plan focuses on helping shape a future with a healthier planet, thriving people and pets and a more inclusive society. In the world we want tomorrow, the planet is healthy, so in 2024, we unveiled a multi-million dollar sustainable dairy plan, Moo’ving Dairy Forward, to help cut methane, not corners, as part of our net zero by 2050 ambition.
How are we doing, overall? Across Mars, with all of our net zero work, by the end of 2023, we have reduced absolute GHG emissions by 16% across our value chain since 2015 while growing our business more than 60%.
Meet Mark Moffitt, our sustainable sourcing manager for dairy in our Mars Snacking business.
Mark is passionate about reducing emissions in dairy farming, and the innovative work he and his fellow Associates are doing is driving significant changes in our dairy supply chain.
In this Q&A, we dive into his story, his motivations and the ways in which his work supports our sustainable dairy plan and overall journey toward net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Q: Let’s dive right in! What do you consider the most important aspects of your job?
Mark: At Mars, we have ambitious climate targets. We're aiming to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 measured against 2015 and get to Net Zero by 2050. Dairy is our second largest contributor to the Mars carbon footprint, so climate action is central to our dairy sourcing strategy. My role focuses on engaging our suppliers around the world on their carbon reduction plans and developing climate programs in partnership with them to implement on-farm practices that can reduce emissions.
Everyone in this space is passionate and driven by the desire to make a difference.
Q: Why are you so passionate about this topic in particular?
Mark: We’re living a climate crisis, and I want to know that I'm doing something about it. It's important to me that the work I do has meaning and purpose. Being able to contribute in some way to having a positive impact means a lot to me.
Q: What do you think is the most innovative thing Mars is doing in this field?
Mark: Mars is keen to be early movers in this space. We’re really curious about what innovative technology and solutions exist out there. For example, we have a project in Europe where we're using a cow feed additive that can reduce methane emissions from cow burps by 30%. We're also exploring other solutions like a seaweed feed additive and its impact on methane emissions.
Q: What's been the most exciting part of your work on these innovations?
Mark: Some of the solutions we're seeing have the potential for significant impact, like new technologies in manure management that could reduce the carbon emissions from manure by up to 90%. While there's no silver bullet, these high-impact interventions are pretty exciting.
Q: How do you balance the technical aspects of your role with engaging the wider public?
Mark: It's about education and storytelling. People might not realize that cow burps are a major source of emissions. By educating them (the people, not the cows!) about where these emissions come from and what we're doing to address them, we can raise awareness and drive action.
Q: What keeps you motivated to push forward with sustainable practices?
Mark: Everyone in this space is passionate and driven by the desire to make a difference. It's a very supportive and exciting environment to work in. Knowing that someone can pick up a Mars product and know it’s helped to have a positive impact on the world is incredibly motivating.
Q: What advice would you give to someone entering the field of sustainability in the dairy industry?
Mark: Sustainability is a collaborative effort. Engage with others in the industry. Share knowledge. Be open to new ideas and technologies. It's about working together to find the best solutions.
Doing our part to keep our planet healthy is absolutely non-negotiable.
Mark’s dedication and leadership in our sustainability efforts highlight our commitment to a healthier planet. By integrating sustainability into our dairy sourcing operations and inspiring others, we’re making significant strides toward our net zero 2050 targets.
