Life Cycle Assessment – Measuring impact to improve it
This is the question that gave rise to the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) project — an initiative that expresses our desire to understand in order to improve, and to measure in order to evolve.
Between 2021 and 2024, together with the Department of Agriculture at the University of Sassari, we analyzed the carbon footprint of the Arborea Milk Supply Chain along its entire journey: from the farm to transport, from processing to distribution.
A detailed study involving 62 agro-livestock farms — representing 54% of the milk collected annually by Arborea — which adopted a “cradle-to-farm gate” approach, examining an entire agricultural year (2021–2022).
The result was clear and transparent, just like our milk: 1.22 kg of CO₂ equivalent for each liter of milk, perfectly in line with national and European benchmarks.
A clear snapshot — and an incentive to do even better.
The analysis also showed where stronger action is needed: 80% of total emissions are concentrated in the agricultural phase — including animal feed, manure management, and farming — while only 20% are linked to processing, transport, and consumption.
This is where our commitment begins: working upstream, where the goodness of our milk is born, to make a difference step by step, building an increasingly sustainable supply chain.
Toward a shared and intelligent measurement
In 2024, this journey led us to obtain UNI EN ISO 14044 certification, an international standard that confirms the accuracy and rigor of our LCA approach.
But for us, certification is only the beginning: in 2025, we will implement a simplified model based on Artificial Intelligence, designed to be easily used by all the farms in our network.
A concrete, intuitive, and replicable tool that will enable every company in the supply chain to become an active hub of sustainability.
A step forward for everyone
Life Cycle Assessment is much more than a technical acronym — it’s our compass for the future.
Because only by truly understanding the impact of every drop of milk can we reduce it, improve ourselves, and continue caring for the land that nourishes us.
A choice of transparency, responsibility, and respect.
Learn more about our commitment to the environment in the Sustainability section.
FAQs
What is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)?
It’s an internationally recognized scientific method used to measure a product’s environmental impact throughout its entire life cycle. For us, it means examining every stage of the milk supply chain—from farming to consumption—to understand where we can improve, reduce emissions, and make everything more sustainable.
Why did you decide to calculate the environmental footprint of milk?
Because we believe that quality isn’t just about taste, but also how a product is made. Knowing our impact helps us be more responsible, more transparent, and closer to those who choose our milk every day.
What does 1.22 kg of CO₂ equivalent per litre of milk mean?
This is the result of our environmental analysis: each liter of Arborea milk emits an average of 1.22 kg of CO₂ equivalent. This figure puts us in line with the most virtuous European standards and encourages us to do even better, especially in the agricultural phase, where most emissions are concentrated.
How will you use the results of the LCA project?
We have already obtained an important certification (UNI EN ISO 14044) and are now developing—together with scientific partners—a simplified calculation model, accessible to all companies in our supply chain. Because sustainability also means sharing tools, knowledge, and vision.
Can the consumer make a difference?
Absolutely. Every time you choose a product made with care and respect for the environment, you contribute to a more equitable agricultural model. We strive every day to offer you transparency, quality, and awareness. Because every choice, even the smallest, leaves a mark. Let’s make it together, more lightly.
Sustainability
Sustainability is not just an opportunity, but a duty and a mission.
Combining economic objectives with environmental and social ones is a choice that represents the Company’s concrete commitment to achieving the common well-being of the community.