McDonald’s and Netherlands-based multinational dairy cooperative FrieslandCampina have entered a new partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in the dairy supply chain.

Under the new alliance, the companies aim to cut GHG emissions in the production of dairy supplied to McDonald's restaurants in the Netherlands and Belgium.

The initiative aligns with the two companies' climate ambitions for 2050.

McDonald's Netherlands supply chain director Joost Elshof said: “Climate change is an environmental issue of our time. McDonald's, therefore, wants to work with all its partners and suppliers throughout the chain on innovative solutions that limit the negative impact on the climate.

“With this extra dimension within our already great collaboration with FrieslandCampina, we come closer to our emission reduction goals of 2030 and our overall ambition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.”

FrieslandCampina supplies key ingredients for various McDonald’s menu items, including its McFlurries, Sundaes, Milkshakes and meat substitues such as Valess.

The two companies have been working together for more than three decades. The collaboration between FrieslandCampina and McDonald’s Netherlands and Belgium is expected to reduce GHG emissions by 14% by 2025 compared to 2019.

FrieslandCampina professional and trading president Roger Loo said: “FrieslandCampina is dedicated to producing dairy in a sustainable way. We measure and track our progress and drive improvement.

“Over the years, our efforts have resulted in a decrease in the carbon footprint of our dairy products. Our dairy farmers have played a crucial role in this achievement through their commitment to making their dairy farms more and more sustainable.

“Collaborating with valuable partners such as McDonald's is crucial in our mission to create a positive impact. Through this partnership, we can continue to support and reward our member dairy farmers.”