DSM launches new tool aimed at supporting environmental reporting in farming

07-May-2021 - Last updated on 07-May-2021 at 14:52 GMT

DSM has just released a new service, Sustell, developed in collaboration with consultants, Blonk, that it says provides analysis and results of environmental impact assessments, interventions and improvements throughout the animal protein value chain.

The new analytical tool, said the co-developers, delivers accurate, simple, and actionable farm-level solutions.

The rational for developing Sustell, they said, is the increasing recognition globally about the importance of lowering the environmental footprint of farming while also ensuring profitability in animal protein production.

And DSM said the digital service underlines its commitment to its strategic initiative, We Make It Possible, which is aimed at driving a robust and achievable global transformation toward sustainable animal protein production.

A recognized independent expert and leader in Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and sustainability performance in the food and agriculture fields, Blonk said the Sustell service is built around a platform that is connected to the consultants own APS-footprint tool, together with a go to knowledge center made up of a team of DSM and Blonk experts in LCA, animal nutrition and sustainability.

The idea is those experts will partner with animal protein producers, assessing the baseline environmental footprint of their animal production using their actual farm and feed data rather than industry averages and proxy data sets, and then developing case-specific intervention scenarios known as ‘what-if’ models to make measurable sustainability improvements.

“In this way, Sustell combines an advanced, powerful sustainability calculation tool that utilizes real farm data, with expert knowledge, tailormade, practical solutions and business development projects to unlock the value of sustainability.”

Meeting international environmental footprint standards

It is a global service, they added, built on validated protocols, calculation methodologies and proven processes that meet international standards. The tool

Is compliant with the internationally recognized FAO Livestock Environmental Assessment and Performance (LEAP) and Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR). It follows calculation guidelines from the IPCC, and is in alignment with ISO 14040/44. It is built on credible and sound food, feed and agriculture databases like the Global Feed LCA Institute (GFLI) platform.
Covers the 17 largest agricultural producing countries in the world where the animal production systems can be defined in detail thanks to country-specific data.
Analyses the environmental impact of 19 different categories including climate change, resource use, water scarcity, marine and freshwater eutrophication, ozone depletion, corresponding to impact assessment method Environmental Footprint 2.0. providing global recognition for the results.

By providing deep insights into farm-level emissions, Sustell, said the co-developers, opens up new possibilities for the wider value chain, including the ability to certify and incentivize sustainable farm practices. “For example, retailers and financial institutions will be able to objectively manage the risks and opportunities relating to the environmental footprint of animal protein. In addition, Sustell enables farmers to accurately forecast the impact of sustainability measures on financial performance.”