Project Overview: The study, led by principal investigator Dr. Olivier Jolliet of the University of Michigan, measures the environmental impact of dairy with a particular focus on water quality and use.

Goal and Scope: The study aims to provide a science-based baseline to identify risks and opportunities with regards to water and other impacts.

Project Status: Preliminary findings are currently being reviewed.

Next Steps: Publication in peer-reviewed journals in 2012. Development of a tool from the LCA which will allow users to enter their data to estimate the environmental impact related to milk production.

Project Overview: This study, led by principal investigator Dr. Greg Thoma of the University of Arkansas, is a survey of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.  

Goal and Scope: The data set was compiled through surveys representing approximately 20 percent of United States cheese processing capacity and more than 500 farms to ensure an accurate reflection of the U.S. dairy industry.

Project Status: Technical findings have been submitted for publication in a scientific journal and results will be reviewed and analyzed by an industrywide task force in Q1 2012. Topline findings indicate that processors seeking to reduce the environmental impact of cheese production should focus on reducing the environmental impact of milk as a key ingredient; and secondarily, on improving energy management and wastewater treatment practices.

Learn More: Read about the carbon footprint of cheese including life cycle assessment terminology and environmental implications.

Project Overview: The LCA aims to assess the environmental impact of existing and emerging packaging formats and associated processing technologies for fluid milk products, helping identify areas for improvement and innovation.

Goal and Scope: Develop science-based data for improved decision-making.

Project Status: The team is collecting and compiling data on inputs (resources and intermediate products) and outputs(emissions, wastes) for all the processes in the fluid milk packaging and processing system.

Next Steps: Compile key findings and have them reviewed by researchers and the LCA Packaging and Processing team.