Currently, more than 1 billion gallons of fluid milk are processed and packaged in the U.S. each year to meet consumer demand for a healthy, nutrient-rich drink.1 The energy involved in milk pasteurization, packaging and distribution contributes nearly 5 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Material production alone accounts for more than 25 percent of these emissions, due to the energy required to transport, process and convert raw materials into fluid milk containers of different formats and sizes.
Opportunity: support for emerging technologies
With the cost of raw materials rising, along with the demand by consumers and retailers for environmentally friendly packaging, it’s clear that innovative solutions in fluid milk processing and packaging are necessary. Currently, there is no objective, science-based source of data to assess existing and emerging packaging formats and processing technologies for fluid milk.
Solution: comprehensive LCA for fluid milk processing and packaging options
Collecting and evaluating the quantitative data on materials, energy and waste flows is complex and costly, as processing and packaging data differ based on the various sizes and configurations for fluid milk products. A comprehensive processing and packaging assessment allows both individual companies and the industry to calculate and benchmark environmental impacts and improvements.
In 2009, the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy commissioned the University of Arkansas to conduct a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) for fluid dairy delivery systems as part of a roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build business opportunities for the industry. It is the first time a combined processing-packaging LCA has been undertaken in any industry.
Collaborators: leading academic researchers + industry processors and producers
The team is composed of more than 50 members, including the University of Arkansas, Michigan State University, Franklin and Associates, Dean Foods, Grassland Dairy Products, Tetra Pak, Walmart, HP Hood and Target.
Project goals and milestones
The dairy packaging segment of the U.S. dairy supply chain contributes 3.5 percent to the fluid milk carbon footprint. Processing and Packaging LCA will help achieve the Dairy 2020 goal to reduce this by 25 percent.
The goal of the Processing and Packaging LCA is to help determine the environmental impact of a range of packaging formats and processing technologies for fluid milk. This information will assist in the development of sustainable solutions for future processes and packaging designs.
Phase 1: Packaging and Processing Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) Data Collection and Analysis
Collect and compile data on inputs (resources and intermediate products) and outputs (emissions, wastes) for all the processes in the fluid milk packaging and processing system. Complete
Phase 2: Review and Publication of Findings
Key findings will be compiled and reviewed by researchers and the LCA Packaging and Processing team. 2011
Phase 3: Share LCA Findings and Identify Opportunities
The LCA findings will be shared with all stakeholders, including processors, packaging material manufacturers and retailers, to benchmark environmental impact and drive innovations based on sound science. 2012
1International Dairy Foods Association. Dairy Facts, 2009.