Sustainability / Environment – vegconomist – the vegan business magazine

Scientific Study Reveals Which Meat Alternatives Offer the Most Health & Environmental Benefits

December 2, 2024

A study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) has ranked different types of meat alternatives to determine which is best from the perspective of health, the environment, and cost. Titled A multicriteria analysis of meat and milk alternatives from nutritional, health, environmental, and cost perspectives, the study was led by Dr Marco Springmann from the Environmental Change Institute at the University of Oxford and the Institute for Global Health at University College London. [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”Reducing meat and dairy in high-income countries is essential for limiting climate change, biodiversity loss, and improving health”[/perfectpullquote] The findings indicate that legumes such as beans and peas are the best meat alternative; if chosen over meat and dairy, …

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a plate with a steak takes center stage, representing the connection between meat consumption and environmental degradation Generative AI

Plant-Based Leaders Demand Change, Signing Collective Call to Action as COP29 Neglects Food’s Role in Climate Crisis

December 2, 2024

At this year’s COP29 hosted by the Azerbaijan capital Baku, the conversation around the climate impact of our global food system was once again stifled, despite various non-profits and groups calling on world leaders to reform food and agricultural policies. Amid the ongoing natural disasters taking place with regularity around the planet, notably absent from the majority of political and media debates is the impact of food production, which accounts for 34% of global greenhouse gas emissions, over half of which stem from animal agriculture (19.7% total), exceeding the emissions from the transport sector (16.2%). Not only was there an overwhelming lack of vegan options at the event, but reportedly, several menu items were mislabeled; Indian climate activist Shreya Ghodawat and Plant Based Treaty’s scientific …

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Heura Urges Spanish Congress to Address Climate Emergency in Wake of Natural Disasters with New Awareness Campaign

November 26, 2024

Heura Foods, Spain’s leading plant-based food innovation company, has called on the Spanish Congress of Deputies to take a proactive and urgent role in addressing the climate emergency affecting Spain and the world. In response to recent environmental disasters, such as the devastating floods in Valencia, and the alarming advance of global warming that could exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, Heura urges legislators to prioritise sustainability and global health on the political agenda, leaving partisan interests aside. [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”…we call on Congress to assume its responsibility and be the lighthouse that guides society towards a fairer and more sustainable future”[/perfectpullquote] “Heura understands that this challenge has no political colour and requires the unity and commitment of all forces in …

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World leaders urged to commit to transitioning away from animal products

World Leaders Urged to Commit to Transitioning Away From Meat & Dairy at COP29

November 18, 2024

A coalition of global non-profit organizations and members of the Food & Climate Action Group has called on world leaders attending COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, to reform food and agricultural policies. At last year’s UN Climate Conference (COP28), world leaders signed an agreement to transition away from fossil fuels. They are now being urged to commit to a “just transition away from meat and dairy overconsumption”, either at this year’s event or next year’s COP30. Leaders of high-income countries have been called on to give public support to low-carbon foods such as vegetables in order to reduce emissions and the use of land and water. Besides aligning with climate targets, the organizations say that such policies would improve public health and reduce spending on healthcare. …

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Report: EU Livestock Farming Has “Major Negative Consequences”, Consumption Patterns Must Change

November 14, 2024

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) recently hosted its annual Mansholt Lecture, which aims to “inspire European policymakers and stakeholders on critical societal issues, particularly those related to sustainable agri-food systems and the living environment”. This year’s lecture focused on land use, and is accompanied by a report titled Key dilemmas on future land use for agriculture, forestry and nature in the EU. A significant theme is the negative impact of livestock farming and the need for a change in consumption patterns. The report discusses five key dilemmas: Self-sufficiency While the EU has a high level of food security, it is highly dependent on imported raw materials such as fertilisers, energy, and animal feed. The region could produce more protein crops and oilseeds, but it would …

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National Trust Members Vote in Favour of a 50% Plant-Based Menu at Cafés

November 4, 2024November 4, 2024

Members of UK conservation charity the National Trust have voted in favour of a resolution to make at least 50% of the menu plant-based at the Trust’s 300 food and beverage outlets. The vote took place at the Trust’s 129th Annual General Meeting (AGM), which was held in the Newcastle Civic Centre. 57,498 members voted in favour of the resolution, compared to 20,111 against. An overwhelming majority of members also voted in support of a resolution to strengthen the charity’s response to the climate and ecological emergency. The National Trust was founded in 1895 and manages over 500 heritage and nature sites across the UK. Around 40% of the menu at the charity’s cafes is already plant-based, and it has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions …

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City of West Hollywood endorses the Plant Based Treaty

City of West Hollywood Unanimously Endorses the Plant Based Treaty

October 28, 2024

The City Council for West Hollywood, California, has unanimously voted to endorse the Plant Based Treaty. The council will now urge the US government, along with other national governments, to negotiate a Global Plant Based Treaty. In a resolution initiated by Vice Mayor Chelsea Byers, the council acknowledged the threat posed by the global climate crisis and the need for “bold and immediate action”. The document notes that plant-based meals have a much lower carbon footprint than animal-based meals, adding that the City of West Hollywood has a history of prioritizing climate action and sustainable food policies. It also mentions the city’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), which is targeting carbon neutrality by 2035. The resolution was successfully passed last week. Plant-based procurement Earlier …

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Retailers Urged to Adopt 60/40 Protein Split to Drive Healthier, More Sustainable Diets

October 22, 2024

Three global organizations, ProVeg International, WWF, and the Green Protein Alliance, are urging retailers to set targets for a 60% plant and 40% animal protein split in their sales to support healthy, sustainable diets aligned with the Planetary Health Diet by EAT-Lancet. The Planetary Health Diet suggests that the split between plant-based and animal-based foods should be 70% plant to 30% animal when all food groups are included and 60% plant to 40% animal when just focusing on protein-source foods, including meat, eggs, fish, and legumes. The organizations highlight retailers as “pivotal” in enabling societies to transition to sustainable diets and setting industry standards for measuring and achieving protein rebalancing. They encourage retailers to track progress toward these protein split targets to promote a comprehensive shift …

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Lidl becomes first UK retailer to set plant-based protein targets

Lidl GB Sets “Industry-Leading” Plant-Based Protein Targets After Category Sees Double-Digit Growth

October 21, 2024

In what has been described as an “industry-leading target”, Lidl GB has announced that it will work to make plant-based proteins account for 25% of its total protein sales by 2030. The supermarket chain has also committed to doubling the proportion of plant-based protein sales from dairy alternatives in the same period. Lidl says the announcement makes it the first UK retailer to set specific targets to increase the proportion of plant-based proteins sold. The news comes as the discounter works to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. To achieve its goals, Lidl has revealed it will more than triple the number of plant-based products it offers, with an expanded range launching from this month and rolling out nationally by January 2025. Called Vemondo Plant!, …

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Lidl Netherlands announces results of pilot study placing meat alternatives in meat aisle

Lidl’s Targeted Climate Targets Put Pressure on Other German Retailers

October 17, 2024

Lidl’s climate targets, supported by its protein diversification scheme, puts other German retailers, such as Rewe, under pressure in the race to reduce emissions, according to Madre Brava‘s climate and food system experts. In its latest sustainability report, Lidl announced its goal of reducing the emissions of products it sells (so-called Scope 3 emissions). Lidl makes it clear that meat and dairy products play a prominent role in its Scope 3 emissions. Supermarkets cannot tackle Scope 3 without tackling the emissions of meat and dairy products in their supply chains, and only Lidl has taken the necessary steps: clear commitments to diversify its protein supply. Florian Wall, Senior Associate at Madre Brava in Germany, says: “Lidl is now on both front leaders: their commitment to …

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New campaign aims to make plant-based meals the default in hospitals

Image courtesy of Plants First Healthcare

1,200+ Health Professionals & 24 Organisations Call on NHS to Offer Default Plant-Based Meals in Hospitals

October 17, 2024

A new campaign called Plants First Healthcare, led by senior NHS doctors, has called on UK hospitals to offer plant-based meals by default to benefit human and planetary health. All NHS trusts and healthcare leaders across the UK have received an open letter supporting the campaign, signed by 24 healthcare organisations representing more than 1 million members. These include the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change, the British Dietetic Association (BDA) Sustainable Diets Group, the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, and Nuffield Health, among others. Additionally, the letter has been signed by over 1,000 healthcare professionals, including high-profile doctors such as Professor Tim Spector, Dame Parveen Kumar, and Dr Fiona Godlee. Notable climate campaigners like TV presenter Chris Packham and journalist George Monbiot have also added …

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Image supplied by ProVeg International

Danish Government Allocates DKK 15Bn to Green Research and Innovation

October 14, 2024

The Danish government has announced that at least DKK 15 billion (€2.01 billion) will be allocated to green research and innovation by 2030. The new initiative will have four key areas of action: Ambitious investments — this will include increasing universities’ research and innovation funds and long-term research capacity by DKK 0.5 billion. Strengthening mission-oriented efforts with a new holistic approach. Fast-tracking green solutions for the agricultural and food industry of the future, with mandatory implementation and follow-up. Fundamental considerations for a green and safe future, including land use and climate adaptation. In particular, there will be a focus on getting new technologies into society more quickly. To achieve this, the government will work to resolve any barriers such as testing, documentation, or coordination between …

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Greenpeace protests methane emissions by the Müller Group

Report: Methane Emissions From Major Meat & Dairy Companies Rival Big Oil

October 10, 2024

A new report by Greenpeace Nordic has found that the estimated methane emissions of 29 major meat and dairy companies rival those of the world’s reported 100 biggest fossil fuel corporations. If the meat and dairy industry is left unregulated, it is projected to heat the world by an additional 0.32°C by 2050. In contrast, a shift away from the overproduction and overconsumption of animal products could produce a cooling effect of 0.12°C by 2050. While this may seem like a relatively modest change, research suggests that each 0.3°C of projected warming prevented by the end of the century could reduce exposure to extreme heat for 410 million people. Titled “Turning down the heat: Pulling the Climate Emergency Brake on Big Meat and Dairy”, the …

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Deforestation aerial photo. Rainforest jungle in Borneo

EU Green Deal Could Backfire Globally Without a Shift to Plant-Based Diets, Warns New Research

September 23, 2024

The European Green Deal (EGD), aimed at achieving carbon neutrality within the European Union (EU) by 2050, could unintentionally exacerbate global greenhouse gas emissions unless substantial dietary changes, particularly a shift toward plant-based diets, are adopted. A recent study published in Nature Sustainability highlights that while the Green Deal is expected to reduce emissions within the EU, it could lead to a more than twofold increase in emissions outside of Europe. [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”By adopting a more plant-based “planetary health diet”, it is possible to save an enormous amount of carbon emissions”[/perfectpullquote] The research, led by Klaus Hubacek, Professor of Science, Technology, and Society at the University of Groningen, finds that the EGD’s agricultural and forestry targets could result in …

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New Alliance to Develop Internationally Accepted Standards for Environmental Scoring of Food

September 5, 2024

Food innovation community EIT Food has announced a partnership with non-profit organisation Foundation Earth to develop internationally adopted and accepted standards for the environmental scoring of food and drink. Foundation Earth already provides front-of-pack environmental scores for food products, but the new International Alliance for Food Impact Data will aim to address the lack of standards and coordination between stakeholders. The Alliance will initially focus on the EU policy landscape, with the belief that any future EU-mandated standards are likely to be of the highest level. As part of the partnership, Foundation Earth has been integrated into EIT Food, which is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (an EU body). Following the integration, Foundation Earth Chief Executive Cliona Howie will become the …

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Report analyses health and sustainability of plant-based meat alternative categories

Report: All Plant-Based Meat Alternative Categories Have Lower Emissions, Less Saturated Fat & More Fibre Than Meat

September 2, 2024

A new report by The Food Foundation has analysed the environmental and health benefits of a variety of plant-based meat alternatives. The products are divided into three categories — new-generation meat alternatives such as Beyond Meat and Quorn, traditional meat alternatives like tofu and tempeh, and whole plant foods such as beans and grains. The results indicate that all three categories generate significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than meat and have a much lower water footprint. On average, they also contain fewer calories, lower levels of saturated fat, and more fibre. Overall, the whole food category was found to be the healthiest and most sustainable, with the highest fibre content and the lowest amounts of saturated fat, calories, and salt. These products are also more …

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When Public Are Made Aware Beef Burgers Cause 85% More Emissions, Majority Are Keen to Swap

August 19, 2024

When consumer attention is brought to the impact on the planet caused by the foods they eat, it can have a considerable effect on their purchasing choices. Essentially, the general public is conscious of the effects of emissions on climate, and if a swap to an equivalent, plant-based product is made simple for meat-eaters, the majority are prepared to alter their consumer behaviour in order to make a positive impact. A recently activated OOH campaign by UK brand Meatless Farm, featuring billboards with the slogans “Fry this, not that”, and “Sizzle this, not that”, brought public awareness to the impact caused by their meat consumption, in a non-preachy way that offers a simple and appealing swap. A consumer survey around the campaign found that the …

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Image courtesy of ProVeg International

The Intersection of Sustainability and Nutrition in Food Innovation

August 5, 2024

In the rapidly changing food industry, prioritising sustainability and improving the nutritional profiles of products has never been more crucial. Food companies can play an important role through responsible product development, reformulation, and fortification. ProVeg International’s latest New Food Hub guide dives into the intersection of these vital areas, giving food industry stakeholders actionable insights to drive positive change. Here, we highlight why this approach is important for the food industry’s future, sharing some insights from the guide. Where nutrition and sustainability meet The global food system faces immense pressure to feed a growing population while addressing climate change, resource depletion, and public health challenges. Traditional food production methods are no longer sufficient. The industry must innovate to produce food that supports both human health …

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Scientific Study Reveals Which Meat Alternatives Offer the Most Health & Environmental Benefits

Plant-Based Leaders Demand Change, Signing Collective Call to Action as COP29 Neglects Food’s Role in Climate Crisis

Heura Urges Spanish Congress to Address Climate Emergency in Wake of Natural Disasters with New Awareness Campaign

World Leaders Urged to Commit to Transitioning Away From Meat & Dairy at COP29

Report: EU Livestock Farming Has “Major Negative Consequences”, Consumption Patterns Must Change

National Trust Members Vote in Favour of a 50% Plant-Based Menu at Cafés

City of West Hollywood Unanimously Endorses the Plant Based Treaty

Retailers Urged to Adopt 60/40 Protein Split to Drive Healthier, More Sustainable Diets

Lidl GB Sets “Industry-Leading” Plant-Based Protein Targets After Category Sees Double-Digit Growth

Lidl’s Targeted Climate Targets Put Pressure on Other German Retailers

1,200+ Health Professionals & 24 Organisations Call on NHS to Offer Default Plant-Based Meals in Hospitals

Danish Government Allocates DKK 15Bn to Green Research and Innovation

Report: Methane Emissions From Major Meat & Dairy Companies Rival Big Oil

EU Green Deal Could Backfire Globally Without a Shift to Plant-Based Diets, Warns New Research

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Cosun Beet Company’s Ambition Leads to Unique Plant-Based Innovation

New Alliance to Develop Internationally Accepted Standards for Environmental Scoring of Food

Report: All Plant-Based Meat Alternative Categories Have Lower Emissions, Less Saturated Fat & More Fibre Than Meat

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Concepta Ingredients Presents the Arboreto Premium Protein Range

When Public Are Made Aware Beef Burgers Cause 85% More Emissions, Majority Are Keen to Swap

The Intersection of Sustainability and Nutrition in Food Innovation