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Environment and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do, especially with our Parmigiano Reggiano.
By operating through a controlled supply chain involving all our milk-supplying member farms, we maintain high standards of quality and respect for the land. This approach ensures transparent and responsible production based on traditions, while embracing modern technological challenges.
We use sustainable farming practices and have invested in photovoltaic panels to generate clean energy, reducing the environmental impact of our production. Additionally, we’ve installed electric vehicle charging points, actively supporting sustainable mobility and helping to reduce carbon emissions.
Animal care and welfare are top priorities for us. Our cows receive the utmost attention and respect, are fed exclusively on locally grown fodder, and are raised in healthy, comfortable environments. This approach supports the longevity of the animals and reflects our commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. It also ensures high milk quality, which is essential for Parmigiano Reggiano.
Blending tradition with innovation, we drive responsible production that safeguards the environment and enriches our supply chain. Our commitment to sustainability leads to concrete actions that benefit the planet and enhance the quality of life for both people and animals.
ANIMAL WELFARE
Animal welfare is central to our Parmigiano Reggiano production and management practices. Our commitment is backed by the CReNBA method, developed by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, a leading Italian institute specializing in veterinary science and animal health. This method, part of the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium’s “Animal Welfare 2022” call for proposals (Bando 2022 Benessere Animale), sets an objective standard for assessing animal welfare, covering essential aspects like feeding, housing, health, and behavior.
Our dairy earned an average score of 75.4, which aligns closely with the regional average of 75.7, demonstrating our adherence to high standards of care and quality.
Animal feed
The diet of dairy cows is strictly regulated by the Parmigiano Reggiano production rules to ensure a balanced, contaminant-free diet. The regulations state that at least 50% of the diet's dry matter must come from forages like hay and pasture, while silages are banned to prevent compromising the quality of the milk and cheese. Forages must be grown within the Parmigiano Reggiano production area to ensure freshness and quality. Contaminated or altered forages are prohibited, and the use of preservatives is restricted. This diet is designed to meet the cows' nutritional needs, maintaining their health and the flavour of the milk.
Housing
Housing focuses on the conditions where animals live and rest. Our stables are designed to provide maximum comfort, including ample resting areas, optimal thermal conditions, and ease of movement. Modern facilities feature advanced ventilation systems that control temperature and humidity, reducing heat stress. Rest areas are equipped with clean, soft bedding, while spacious pens allow cows to walk and socialize. The use of technologies like milking robots and monitoring sensors helps keep the environment optimal and ensures the animals' comfort is always maintained
Health
Animal health is crucial for their well-being, involving regular checks to prevent disease and manage injuries. Continuous monitoring helps identify and address any signs of distress promptly. Maintaining disease-free and injury-free animals through proactive veterinary care is essential. Our breeding practices are designed to minimize stress and avoid invasive procedures, ensuring proper health management
Behaviour
The behaviour of dairy cows is a key indicator of their well-being. Cows should have the opportunity to express natural and social behaviors, such as interacting with other animals and engaging in physical activities. Our housing and management practices are designed to foster positive human-animal relationships, reducing stress and promoting a positive emotional state. The facilities and practices support emotional well-being, contributing to a calmer and healthier life for the cows
In short, our commitment to animal welfare is reflected in an integrated approach covering diet, housing, health, and behaviour. This approach not only meets regulations but also upholds the high standards of quality and sustainability associated with Parmigiano Reggiano production.
PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS
The photovoltaic panels on the roofs of nearly all our facilities demonstrate our strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
Our environmental journey took a significant leap in 2013, with the installation of our first panels on the Lesignana plant. Since then, we’ve expanded this initiative across all our facilities, now covering over 5,000 square metres.
Each panel generates 500 watts, and our system produces an average of 5.74 MW daily, totaling around 1,000 MWh annually. This substantial output helps cut CO2 emissions by about 560,000 kg per year, roughly equivalent to planting 30,000 trees.
This effort not only highlights our ongoing commitment to the environment but also demonstrates our proactive approach to fighting climate change.
By harnessing solar energy, we’re making a strategic and thoughtful investment in a greener, more sustainable future.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
Our electric vehicle charging stations, installed at several of our facilities, provide a modern and reliable solution for keeping your vehicle powered. These stations not only improve charging efficiency but also underscore our commitment to environmental sustainability.
Convenience and accessibility
These charging stations are designed to make it easy to recharge your vehicle while you enjoy a guided tour or shop at our dairy. Each station, with a power output of 22 kW, ensures a fast and effective charge, so your vehicle is always ready to go.
Environmental benefits
Using electric vehicles, also supported by our charging stations, helps significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Electric charging cuts down air pollution and promotes environmental sustainability. Each charge is a step towards a greener future, aligning with global goals to reduce environmental impact.
Technical details
- Charging Power: 22 kW per charging point (3P+N+Y)
- Connector Type: Compatible with most electric vehicles
- Functionality: Fast, safe charging with charge status monitoring
CONDENSATE RECOVERY
Our condensate recovery system is designed to optimise efficiency and minimise water waste. During milk processing, steam condenses into small droplets on the exterior walls of the vats. These droplets are collected and directed to a steel channel recovery system. The resulting hot, demineralised water is then fed back into the steam generator, reducing the energy needed to reheat it.
This process significantly cuts down on gas and water consumption, enhancing overall energy efficiency. Thanks to this technology, integrated during the construction of our boiler room, we recover approximately 300 kg of water daily from 60 vats, preventing the wastage of valuable resources.
CIGARETTE BUTT COLLECTION AND RECYCLING
Since 2023, we have been part of the sustainable collection and recycling project "Smokers Point," in collaboration with the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium, the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, and RE-CIG®, the only company in Italy and Europe specialising in the collection and recycling of cigarette butts.
The project involves installing special containers for collecting cigarette butts in businesses, public places, and other locations. Currently, we have an ashtray at our Lesignana facility and will soon add two more.
The collected cigarette filters are converted into reusable plastic, which is then recycled to produce items like clothing accessories, portable ashtrays, and eyewear frames. This initiative supports sustainable design and promotes a more eco-friendly waste management approach.