Danone ‘stunned’ by accusations relating to plastics use

International dairy firm, Danone, has stated that it’s “stunned” by an accusation relating to its use of plastics alongside its provide chain.

Three environmental teams – ClientEarth, Zero Waste France and SurfRider Basis Europe – are collectively taking the meals big Danone to courtroom over its use of plastic.

The three organisations declare that Danone “doesn’t respect authorized obligations below French regulation. It’s pressing that it deplastifies its exercise”. 

They’ve additionally claimed that it’s the first time a meals firm is being sued in France for its plastic use, all through its complete provide chain, based mostly on the the 2017 French Obligation of Vigilance regulation.

Danone

The primary bone of rivalry expressed by the environmental teams is that they declare Danone’s 2021 Vigilance Plan doesn’t establish the use of plastics as a serious threat in its operations.

“By not mentioning plastic in its plan, or explaining how the corporate intends to mitigate the dangers associated to plastic, we imagine that Danone just isn’t complying with its authorized obligations,” the organisations claimed.

“In its vigilance plan, we count on from Danone a full evaluation of its plastic use. This consists of mapping the impacts its use of plastics has on the surroundings, local weather, well being and human rights from manufacturing to end-of-life.

“We additionally ask for a deplastification plan based mostly on the plastics evaluation with quantified and dated aims.”

In an announcement to Agriland, Danone stated: “We’re very stunned by this accusation, which we strongly refute. Danone has lengthy been recognised as a pioneer in environmental threat administration, and we stay absolutely dedicated and decided to behave responsibly.

“We’re implementing a complete framework of actions geared toward lowering using plastic, growing reuse, strengthening assortment and recycling schemes, and growing different supplies.

“We’ve got already made vital progress on every of those fronts, notably on plastic discount, with -12% at international stage (-60,000t) between 2018 and 2021,” the corporate said.

Danone additionally acknowledged that placing an finish to plastic air pollution can not come from one single firm and requires the mobilisation of all stakeholders, whereas respecting the necessities meals security.

“That is why we assist the adoption, below the aegis of the United Nations, of a legally binding worldwide treaty,” Danone added.

In the meantime, the chief govt of Danone, Antoine de Saint-Affrique, visited the corporate’s Irish plant in Co. Wexford final final 12 months, as a part of a brand new international power excellence programme.

The Re-Gas programme goals to enhance power effectivity by 30% by 2025 inside the foods and drinks enterprise.