Arla updates Science Based Targets to align with SBTi FLAG guidance

Arla Foods today announced an update to its Science Based Targets in line with the Science Based Targets initiative’s Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) guidance, strengthening the cooperative’s commitment to science-based, efficient and economically sustainable dairy production.

The announcement comes as a natural progression of Arla’s continued commitment to follow sector guidance following ongoing engagement with SBTi.

The FLAG guidance addresses carbon emissions reductions linked to land use, farming, livestock and forestry - areas central to dairy production. By adopting FLAG, Arla shows its commitment to use latest evolving science and globally leading standards. And with its industry-leading FarmAhead ™ Technology, Arla has a roadmap and tools to achieve its targets and remain a frontrunner in leading sustainable dairy.

Now Arla will operate with two new Scope 3 targets:

• FLAG target: -30.3% CO2e on raw milk and externally sourced whey emissions from 2020 to 2030. This target will be an absolute target.
• Non-FLAG target: 82.6% of its suppliers by emissions to have science-based targets by 2029 across purchased goods and services, capital goods, upstream and downstream transportation and distribution, waste generated in operations, and investments

“Aligning with FLAG reflects our commitment to following the latest science-based industry targets. The update strengthens the credibility of our ambition to create more resilient and sustainable dairy production that helps feed life in a growing population”, says Hanne Søndergaard, Executive Vice President, for Agriculture, Sustainability and Communications at Arla.

Arla will report on the new Scope 3 targets as well as the previous one in the company’s Annual Report in February 2026. From 2027 and onwards, only the new target will be reported on.

There is no change to Arla’s SBTi-approved Scope 1 and 2 target which is still –63% compared to a 2015 baseline.