23 Aug Woodlands Dairy – the story of its sustainability journey

In 2012, Woodlands Dairy embarked on a transformative sustainability journey, inspired by the wisdom of Peter Drucker: “You can’t manage what
you don’t measure.” When it comes to sustainability, here’s one major SA dairy company that walks its talk….

Woodlands Dairy, located in Humansdorp in the heart of the Eastern Cape’s dairy region along the South African Garden Route, prides itself on innovative thinking, rapid product development, and excellent customer service.

Originally established in 1995 as a packaging plant for milk from Woodlands Farm, the company now sources from dairy farms in the area and has become one of SA’s largest manufacturers of UHT milk. It also supplies ESL milk, flavoured milks, high protein drinks, butter, cheese, cream, and other value-added products.

What drives Woodlands Dairy is its vision to be “the most admired dairy in Africa”. They aim to achieve this by producing high-quality food products, committing to integrity and service excellence, conserving the environment, promoting social upliftment, and striving for the growth and prosperity of all stakeholders.

Marisa Maccaferri, Marketing Executive of Woodlands Dairy and First Choice, says, “In these challenging times, our decisions can have immediate global impacts. Our responsibility extends beyond profitability; we must harmonise business success with the betterment of our world.

“Since 2012, we have committed to sustainability, aligning our initiatives with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which provide a blueprint for a peaceful, prosperous future, emphasising environmental protection for future generations.”

Woodlands Dairy’s ISO 50001 Energy Management System

Woodlands Dairy upholds the highest standards of energy management, as evidenced by its certification under the ISO 50001 Energy Management System. This was validated through an external audit conducted by the SABS, affirming their compliance with the ISO 50001:2018 standards.

Andre Adendorff, Sustainability Manager at Woodlands Dairy, explains that implementing the ISO 50001:2018 system highlights a commitment to energy management and optimisation. “It improves our energy performance and efficiency, reduces consumption, and supports our sustainable development goals. This framework helps us establish best practices, set benchmarks objectives and targets and identify opportunities for enhanced energy efficiency.”

Woodlands Dairy and biomass

Aligned with its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Charter, Woodlands Dairy aims to reduce overall energy consumption across manufacturing and distribution over the next five years.

“We’re dedicated to continuous improvement, adhering to energy-related requirements, incorporating energy performance into facility design, and ensuring efficient energy procurement and use,” Adendorff adds.

Woodlands Dairy’s operations use a mix of energy sources including electricity, diesel, biomass, heavy fuel oil (HFO), biogas and fugitive gases. Since introducing biomass in 2016, its role has grown, with its contribution as energy source rising from 62% to 71% in 2023 due to a second biomass boiler.

Renewable and clean energy sources — biomass, solar PV, and biogas — now account for approximately 73.8% of the plant’s total energy consumption.

“This shift significantly reduces our greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with our commitment to environmental stewardship. The total biomass usage increased by 36.4% in 2023, which is the result of the second biomass boiler that was commissioned in 2023. Solar power generated 7.4% of our electricity needs in 2023, avoiding around 1,938 tons of CO2e emissions,” says Adendorff.

Introducing the innovative tethered cap for ESL milk cartons

Woodlands Dairy was the first in South Africa to introduce tethered caps on its Extended Shelf Life (ESL) milk cartons, available in two-litre full cream and low-fat variants. This innovation aligns with its commitment to sustainable practices and marks a significant step in enhancing the eco-friendliness of its product range.

Tethered caps stay attached to the container throughout its lifecycle, increasing the likelihood of their collection and recycling. This boosts the recyclability of plastic closures and reduces the demand for virgin plastic.

Maccaferri comments that this approach reflects the company’s values, recognising the environmental impact of packaging choices.

“For Woodlands Dairy, packaging is not just about preserving product freshness; it’s a crucial way to express and uphold our commitment to sustainability. By partnering with Nampak and other strategic allies, we aim to create packaging that meets high functionality standards and positively impacts the planet,” she says.

Reverse vending machines

The company has installed reverse vending machines (RVMs) at their dairy shops in Jeffreys Bay, St Francis Bay and Gauteng. These machines allow consumers to return empty containers, such as milk cartons, for recycling in exchange for a small reward credited to an in-app e-wallet.

Maccaferri comments, “We’re proud to announce that in 2023, we recycled 114,545 units, equating to 6,589 transactions and 5,353kg. Innovative initiatives like RVMs are a key part of our sustainability drive, and the positive feedback we’ve received is heartening. People of all ages can contribute to environmental protection by recycling responsibly and supporting sustainable brands.”

Choose to Recycle School Competition with Tetra Pak and Petco

The “Choose to Recycle School Competition,” organised by Tetra Pak, Woodlands Dairy, and Petco, ran from July to November 2023 across 22 schools in Humansdorp, Jeffreys Bay, and Gqeberha, engaging 20,429 learners.

The competition successfully promoted environmental awareness and sustainable practices, resulting in the collection of 273,482 liquid board packaging items and earning Tetra Pak the Petco Award.

Each winning school received R25k to enhance school equipment and 40 desks made from recycled Tetra Pak aseptic packages. Second-prize winners received R10k, while third-prize winners were awarded R5k. Additionally, the top collecting school in each area could nominate an underprivileged school to receive 40 desks made from recycled carton packages.

The Truth Tastes Good campaign

The 2023 “Truth Tastes Good” campaign aimed to simplify and clarify sustainability efforts across Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) areas. By using straightforward language, the campaign communicated the company’s tangible sustainability achievements. Scanning a QR code on product packaging directed consumers to an engaging website featuring an interactive crossword scavenger hunt, encouraging exploration of key sustainability concepts

The campaign leveraged both traditional and digital media, including TV ads, in-store displays, and social media, to reach a wide audience. A notable initiative, the “Choose to Recycle Campaign” educated students on recycling through interactive activities, promoting responsible waste management.

The campaign’s objective was to make complex sustainability concepts easily understandable, inspiring eco-friendly choices and supporting both environmental and community health. It was highly successful, earning strong consumer support and engagement.

Woodlands Dairy’s Commitment to Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility

Woodlands Dairy has aligned its sustainability initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on eradicating poverty, promoting gender equality, reducing inequality, achieving zero hunger, ensuring good health and well-being, and providing quality education.

As a major employer in its community, Woodlands Dairy provides over 1,600 jobs, significantly contributing to local economic development. Its corporate culture strictly prohibits gender-based discrimination, ensuring equal opportunities and equitable rewards for all employees.

Committed to equality and addressing historical disparities, Woodlands Dairy offers entry-level salaries above minimum wage and company-funded benefits. It provides channels for addressing discrimination, including an internal grievance process and an anonymous whistle-blowing hotline.

The company supports vulnerable community members through feeding schemes and offers employees an onsite clinic, comprehensive medical aid, and an employee wellness program. Adhering to ISO 45001 standards, they prioritise workplace health and safety and invest in local health and education initiatives in the Kouga region.

Woodlands Dairy’s learnership programmes

Regarding quality education, Thokozani Zaza, HR Development Manager at Woodlands Dairy, highlights the company’s dedication to employee development through internal and external training programmes, including opportunities for tertiary education.

“Our learnership programmes equip unemployed youth with vital skills and pathways to potential permanent employment. We offer opportunities for unemployed matriculated learners, aged 29 or younger, to gain experience and skills through a production technology learnership.

“Successful completion can lead to permanent employment within our company. In 2023, we welcomed 112 learners, similar to the 109 in 2022. We remain committed to empowering our youth and fostering a brighter future for all.”

Woodlands Dairy’s leadership programmes

Woodlands Dairy also focuses on nurturing leadership within the organisation. “In 2023, 15 learners enrolled in our management learnership programmes (NQF4 and NQF5), which empower current and future leaders by connecting them in a classroom environment to share experiences and build relationships.” Zaza adds.

“Beyond traditional management skills, these programmes focus on creating leaders. Additionally, 20 learners participated in our leadership skills programme, which serves as a bridge to the full NQF4 qualification.”

Woodlands Dairy’s commitment to giving back and sustainable development

Aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, Woodlands Dairy is committed to Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. According to Maccaferri, it supports projects focusing on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and supporting the vulnerable population in the Kouga region. More than 19 organisations benefitted during 2023.

Woodlands Dairy is proud to have raised R640K for St. Francis Hospice through their annual Woodlands Dairy Golf Day. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved—sponsors, players, and staff — for their incredible support in making a significant impact on the lives of patients and their families during difficult times.

“We also appreciate our loyal Shop First Choice customers for their contributions to this worthy cause and commend the players for ensuring a fun and engaging event. All proceeds will benefit St. Francis Hospice, a non-profit providing vital palliative care and support. Compassionate care is essential for those facing life-limiting illnesses,” says Maccaferri.

The last year has been busy for Woodlands Dairy, but their commitment to sustainability remains unwavering.

“Since 2012, we have evolved our sustainability to a comprehensive ESG framework. This robust approach guides our strategic decisions and fuels our commitment to sustainable business practices. It is deeply ingrained and remains a cornerstone for our future success,” Maccaferri concludes.

Woodlands Dairy: Read more on its impressive story here!