Tesco carbon footprints milk

The full-fat, semi-skimmed and skimmed milk ranges will now feature their carbon footprint as part of the retailers’ plans to footprint its staple products.

Packaging is counted as part of the processing stage of milk’s lifecycle. The processing stage accounts for 9.2% of the total carbon footprint for skimmed milk, rising to 9.7% for whole milk.

“Milk is not only one of the biggest sellers in store; it’s also prominent on breakfast tables day in day out across the country,” said Tesco community and government director David North.

“So we think carbon labels on milk can play a great part in raising awareness and helping customers navigate the new carbon footprint.”

A survey carried out by Frank Research for Tesco discovered that 50% of customers surveyed now understand the meaning of “carbon footprint”, compared to 32% last year.

Over half said that they would actively seek products with a lower carbon footprint.

The next set of products to be carbon footprinted will be Tesco bags, bread, toilet and kitchen roll.

The company is also experimenting with different feedstocks for its cows in an attempt to reduce methane emissions.

Lifecycle stage  

Skimmed milk
Production: 71.5%              
Processing: 9.2%               
Distribution and retail: 14.4%              
Use and end of life: 4.9%                 

Semi-Skimmed milk
Production: 73.1%
Processing: 9.4%
Distribution and retail: 13.1%
Use and end of life: 4.4%

Whole milk
Production: 75.2%
Processing: 9.7%
Distribution and retail: 11.2%
Use and end of life: 3.8%

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