Arla Sustainability Profile
Arla Foods amba, commonly known as Arla, is a leading global dairy cooperative headquartered in Denmark (DK). Founded in 1881, Arla has grown to become a significant player in the dairy industry, with major operations across Europe, the Middle East, and North America. The company focuses on producing high-quality dairy products, including milk, cheese, butter, and yoghurt, renowned for their natural ingredients and commitment to sustainability. Arla's unique approach to dairy farming, which emphasises cooperative principles and farmer ownership, sets it apart in the market. With a strong emphasis on innovation, Arla has achieved notable milestones, including the launch of various organic and lactose-free products. As one of the largest dairy companies in the world, Arla continues to strengthen its market position through a dedication to quality and sustainability, making it a trusted choice for consumers globally.
DitchCarbon Score
How does Arla's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Industry Average
Mean score of companies in the Food Product Manufacturing industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
Industry Benchmark
Arla's score of 82 is higher than 91% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Arla's reported carbon emissions
In 2024, Arla Foods reported total carbon emissions of approximately 18,710,000,000 kg CO2e, with Scope 1 emissions at about 482,000,000 kg CO2e, Scope 2 emissions at approximately 136,000,000 kg CO2e (market-based), and a significant contribution from Scope 3 emissions, which totalled around 18,092,000,000 kg CO2e. This indicates a slight decrease from 2023, where total emissions were about 18,801,000,000 kg CO2e. Arla has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming for carbon net zero by 2050. The company has established interim targets to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 63% by 2030, using 2015 as the baseline year. This commitment is part of their broader strategy to address emissions across their entire value chain, including a 30% reduction in Scope 3 emissions per tonne of standardised raw milk and whey by 2030. The company is also focused on transitioning to 100% green electricity in Europe by the end of 2025, further supporting its sustainability goals. These initiatives are aligned with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and reflect Arla's commitment to reducing its environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency.
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| 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | - | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | - | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | - | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 |
How Carbon Intensive is Arla's Industry?
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Arla's Scope 3 Categories Breakdown
Arla's Scope 3 emissions, which decreased by 0% last year and decreased by approximately 3% since 2016, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. Nearly all of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, representing nearly all emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Purchased Goods and Services" being the largest emissions source at 97% of Scope 3 emissions.
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Arla's Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
Arla has established climate goals through participation in recognized frameworks and target-setting initiatives. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Arla's sustainability data and climate commitments