A new global collaboration between dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health and Bayer is set to reshape how environmental impact is measured across the animal protein value chain.
It has major implications for pork producers, their leaders say, because they are increasingly facing sustainability expectations from processors, retailers, and global export markets. Feed is the single largest contributor to a pig’s carbon footprint.
By integrating Bayer’s primary crop life cycle assessment data with dsm-firmenich’s Sustell™ platform — a leading environmental footprinting solution for livestock — this partnership aims to accurately track emissions from the field all the way to the pork processing plant.
Farmers will be able to show meat packers and retailers what their environmental impact is, rather than relying on estimates, and that will improve their bargaining power.
They will also learn how they can reduce emissions by adjusting feed rations and management practices.
While sustainability has often been seen as a regulatory burden, this partnership positions environmental footprinting as a business opportunity. Accurate data can unlock new revenue streams, sustainability premiums, and access to preferred supplier programs.
According to dsm-firmenich, the Sustell™ system helps producers pinpoint where improvements generate the greatest return — whether through enhanced feed efficiency, manure management, or carbon-smart ingredient sourcing.
