GLOBAL – A research study done by the UN has indicated that alternative dairy products are in the lead to boost sustainability and make significant climate changes compared to the animal dairy products that are responsible for roughly 3.45 of global greenhouse gas emissions.
According to the report from the global intergovernmental organization, alternative dairy products, by nature, are more sustainable in one crucial aspect compared to dairy since they cut out the animal from the production process.
In addition, the report stated that despite the sustainable nature of many alternative dairy products many of the alt dairy sectors feel that it isn’t enough adding that creation of awareness among consumers about sustainability would be an added benefit.
However, others feel that an aggressive focus on sustainability is not what consumers are looking for and that a more effective way to challenge dairy is simply to make an excellent product that people will choose in lieu of animal-based dairy.
In a statement, Sororsh Tavakoli, founder and CEO of Sweden -headquartered alternative cheese company, Stockeld Dreamery, suggested that promoting sustainability credentials is not the company’s main focus.
He explained that removing the animal has such a massive impact that is thought to be the centred focus in converting dairy to plant-based.
“I view it, as a better way to enhance sustainability is to make the product as appealing as possible, therefore replacing dairy usage and cutting down on overall dairy consumption,” he said.
“We’re trying to optimise on sales and replace dairy [en masse] because we know that’s by far the most impactful thing we can do.”
Making things clear, Tavakoli noted that the main goal of the company is not selling the fact of sustainability to the consumer, however, the main concept of focus is the actual product and the quality of the product depending on the consumer’s preferences.
However, Brad Vanstone, co-founder of Dutch alt-cheese company Willicroft, said that while he agrees that the consumer is not there yet in terms of being influenced by sustainability in their buying habits, he stressed that it is the responsibility of businesses to lead the conversation.
He noted that being able to identify to a consumer that what they’re buying there is more sustainable, and they can then interrogate the pack if they want to is deeply important.
Nick Watkins, the founder of alt milk company MIGHTY, agreed with the importance of education, suggesting that on-pack eco-credentials are the way to go.
“I think we as a business see it as our responsibility to own the sustainability part of our business. This helps us to identify where we can improve, but it also helps consumers to understand what impact they’re having,” he said.
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