Woodlands dairy strengthens business sustainability with ESG-focused campaign

SOUTH AFRICA – Woodlands Dairy has launched a groundbreaking sustainability campaign, aimed at making environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) practices both accessible and relatable for consumers.

By simplifying complex sustainability concepts, the company seeks to bridge the knowledge gap and demonstrate the real-world steps being taken toward a more responsible future.

According to Marisa Maccaferri, Marketing Executive for Woodlands Dairy and First Choice, sustainability is not merely an aspect of operations but the defining ethos of the company.

“Whether it’s adhering to the Woodlands Dairy Milk Standard, implementing the SWAN system, adopting energy-efficient manufacturing processes, or embracing eco-friendly packaging, sustainability is seamlessly woven into our operations. It’s more than just a mere pillar – it’s the very essence of our company, it’s in our DNA,” she stated.

The campaign further reinforces Woodlands Dairy’s longstanding commitment to community upliftment and entrepreneurship.

Since 2016, the company has been an advocate for empowering local business owners, fostering partnerships that create mutual benefits and ensure the smooth integration of services into its operations.

Entrepreneurs like Clayton Damons of Milkway Transport, Rudi and Angela Hendricks, who manage external laundry services, and Barry Syce, who oversees staff transport, have been instrumental in maintaining Woodlands Dairy’s operational efficiency.

“These collaborations not only generate employment but also enable small businesses to thrive within the broader economy.”

Child welfare and skills development remain key focal areas for the company’s social responsibility efforts.

As reported by Woodlands Dairy, their contributions to child education, including donations of school shoes, rain jackets, and stationery, have provided over 100 children with the confidence and resources to excel in school.

In addition to these initiatives, Woodlands Dairy has prioritized skills development through its millwright apprenticeship program.

Launched in 2022, the program currently trains eight apprentices in a rigorous three-year program, equipping them with the skills required to succeed in modern manufacturing environments.

Woodlands Dairy’s commitment to environmental sustainability is underscored by measurable efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

Since conducting its first greenhouse gas report in 2012, the company has implemented numerous initiatives aimed at minimizing its impact on the environment.

Notably, the installation of a Resource Recovery Plant at the Humansdorp production facility in 2017 has reduced municipal water demand by 44% annually.

Corporate social investment (CSI) also remains a driving force behind Woodlands Dairy’s operations.

Last year, the company supported 19 projects that fed over 156,000 people in the surrounding community.

Maccaferri emphasized that consumer purchases of First Choice products directly contribute to these initiatives, ensuring the company’s positive impact extends far beyond its business operations.