Natural capital and biodiversity accounting in the dairy industry: the case of Valio Group

Publication date: 29/01/2024
Extent: 22 pages

Contributions by: Hannu Schadewitz, Turku School of Economics at the University of Turku, Finland

Chapter synopsis:

This chapter addresses the enhancement of and reporting on natural capital and biodiversity within the dairy industry as part of one company's broader sustainable development strategy. The chapter focuses on the dairy industry, as it is heavily dependent on natural and animal resources and also uses them significantly. Milk is the central raw material for a wide variety of dairy products. A primary concern at the very beginning of the production chain is animal well-being. From farms to production facilities to wholesalers and retailers, there is a delicate logistic chain. This chapter displays how Valio Group is pursuing its sustainability orientation phrased as ‘sustainability in all actions and all markets’. Central influential factors comprise scientific originated roots by Professor Virtanen (Nobel Price in Chemistry 1945), corporate governance, science-based climate targets and their monitoring, and a cooperative, owned by dairy farmers, organization form.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2023.0128.08