The Minister for Climate Change has welcomed Synlait’s announcement to commit to reducing its environmental impact significantly over the next decade.

Synlait aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% on-farm and by 50% off-farm over the next 10 years, and Minister James Shaw said this is a significant contribution to New Zealand’s target of net zero emissions by 2050.

“I am heartened by the growing number of leading businesses which see that their future success lies in operating sustainably,” Shaw noted. “The fact that Synlait believes it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions on their farms by more than a third in just 10 years using existing technology and best practice demonstrates what is possible for the dairy sector as a whole.

“Its commitment to building no new coal-fired boilers and reducing existing coal use is also very encouraging,” he added.

The minister also said the government stands committed to providing the leadership and policies needed to support companies like Synlait, who are taking the step forward changing to a low emission, sustainable way of doing business.

Kiwis are encouraged to participate in the public discussion across the country to get their views on the proposed Zero Carbon Bill. This legislation will give clarity and certainty to companies like Synlait for the transformation of their business methods and help New Zealand reach a low-emissions economy by 2050, Shaw added.

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