Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, commonly known as Fonterra, is a leading player in the global dairy products industry, headquartered in New Zealand. Founded in 2001, Fonterra has rapidly established itself as a key supplier of high-quality dairy ingredients and consumer products, with major operations across New Zealand, Australia, and Asia.
The co-operative focuses on a diverse range of dairy offerings, including milk powders, cheese, and butter, renowned for their exceptional quality and sustainability practices. Fonterra's commitment to innovation and efficiency has positioned it as a market leader, with notable achievements such as being one of the largest exporters of dairy products worldwide. With a strong emphasis on sustainability and community engagement, Fonterra continues to shape the future of the dairy industry.
+19 vs industry average
Fonterra’s score of 37 is higher than 61% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Industry Intensity
Dairy Processing is among the most carbon-intensive industries
Industry performance
The Dairy Processing industry has increased its overall emissions by 34% since 2019
Emissions trajectory 2020 – 2026
Reported emissions
Scope 3 accounts for ••• of total emissions.
Fonterra's reported carbon emissions
Fonterra, a prominent dairy products company headquartered in NZ, reported approximately 25.8 billion kg CO2e in total emissions for 2023. This figure comprises about 1.35 billion kg CO2e in Scope 1 emissions and approximately 500 million kg CO2e in Scope 2 emissions. Scope 3 emissions were the largest component, amounting to nearly 24 billion kg CO2e, with purchased goods and services representing the most significant portion. The company has established several climate commitments. Fonterra aims for a 30% reduction in absolute manufacturing emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 2030 from a 2015 baseline. Furthermore, they are committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Progress towards these goals is being made, with reports indicating Fonterra is approximately a year ahead of schedule on its emission reduction efforts. In line with Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) commitments, Fonterra has set a near-term target to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 30% by FY2030, using FY2018 as a baseline. Additionally, they are working towards having 70% of their suppliers, by emissions, covering purchased goods and services, adopt science-based targets by 2024. More ambitious SBTi targets include a 50.4% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by FY2030 from an FY2018 base year, aiming for a 1.5°C pathway. Fonterra also commits to reducing Scope 1 and 3 forest, land, and agriculture (FLAG) GHG emissions from dairy by 30% per tonne of fat-and-protein-corrected milk by FY2030 from an FY2018 base year, with a commitment to no deforestation by the end of 2025.
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Fonterra’s Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
3 goals2030
30% reduction in Scope 2
Reduction in absolute manufacturing emissions 1 30% reduction by 2030 from FY15 baseline (Global)
2030
62% reduction in total GHG
Vs 2019 baseline. Validated by SBTi. Includes full supply chain.
2040
50% reduction in Scope 3 intensity
Across purchased goods and services and logistics.
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Scope 3 top emissions categories
4 of 15 categories disclosedSee all scope 3 categories
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Climate initiatives

Science Based Targets Initiative

Carbon Disclosure Project
The Climate Pledge
UN Global Compact Climate Champions initiative
RE 100
Climate Action 100
Emissions comparison with industry peers
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Common questions about Fonterra’s sustainability data and climate commitments
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