Do Milk and More Use Bovaer? A Look at the Company's Position
Milk & More, the UK-based doorstep delivery service, has explicitly stated that it does not use the methane-reducing feed additive Bovaer in its supply chain. The company clarified its position in response to customer inquiries, distinguishing itself from other dairy producers who may be exploring or trialing such additives. This stance is a key part of their brand identity, which emphasizes traditional methods and their own established sustainability practices.
The public interest in Bovaer stems from its innovative approach to reducing methane emissions from cattle. Produced by DSM-Firmenich, Bovaer works by inhibiting an enzyme in the cow's rumen that is responsible for producing methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas. While potentially effective, some consumers and dairy companies have reservations, and Milk & More has taken a firm 'no' position on its use. Their communication via social media channels and customer outreach has aimed to reassure their customer base about the sourcing and production of their dairy products.
What is Bovaer and How Does It Work?
Bovaer, or 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP), is a synthetic feed additive designed to reduce enteric methane emissions from ruminants. A small dose is mixed into the cow's daily feed, targeting the methanogen microorganisms in the rumen. The supplement temporarily blocks the enzyme that combines hydrogen and carbon dioxide to form methane. After its work is done, Bovaer breaks down into naturally occurring compounds in the cow's stomach and is completely metabolised, leaving no residues in the milk or meat. The manufacturer, DSM-Firmenich, claims a reduction of methane emissions by an average of 30% for dairy cattle. This technology has undergone extensive research and has received regulatory approval in many countries, including the UK, making it a viable option for dairy producers aiming to lower their carbon footprint.
Milk & More's Sustainability Focus Without Bovaer
Instead of adopting feed additives like Bovaer, Milk & More promotes sustainability through other means, which it views as more aligned with its brand ethos. These initiatives are often highlighted to customers to showcase their environmental commitment. Their key sustainability pillars include:
- Refillable Glass Bottles: This is a cornerstone of their offering, significantly reducing single-use plastic waste compared to standard supermarket milk containers.
- Electric Floats: By operating a fleet of electric delivery vehicles, they reduce the carbon emissions associated with their local delivery routes.
- Support for Smaller, Local Suppliers: The company champions smaller-scale, often family-run, farms. While this doesn't explicitly address methane, it promotes a model of local food systems with shorter supply chains.
- A Wide Range of Products: Beyond just milk, they deliver a variety of fresh goods, enabling customers to consolidate their shopping and reduce transport emissions.
These methods are intended to appeal to a customer base that values traditional delivery services, local production, and tangible waste reduction over high-tech feed interventions. The company’s focus is on what it can control within its own business model, rather than mandating a specific technology for its supply farms.
How Other Dairies Approach Bovaer
Milk & More's decision not to use Bovaer is not universal within the dairy industry. Many large-scale producers and cooperatives are actively trialing and adopting the additive to meet ambitious climate targets. This comparison shows the different routes companies are taking towards reducing their environmental impact.
| Feature | Milk & More (UK) | Arla Foods (UK) | Mills Milk (Scotland) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use of Bovaer | No, actively confirmed via social media. | Trialling with select farms and major retailers. | No, confirmed via company website. |
| Primary Methane Strategy | Focus on sustainable delivery and packaging (electric floats, glass bottles). | Research and development into feed additives like Bovaer on farms. | Confirms their suppliers do not use the product. |
| Consumer Communication | Reassures customers of their non-use in response to public concern. | Provides detailed FAQs and statements on trial safety and benefits. | Proactively informs customers on its blog. |
| Market Position | Targets local, sustainable, doorstep delivery market. | Large multinational cooperative with broad market reach. | Regional, Scottish dairy producer. |
The varied approach indicates that there is no single consensus among dairy companies. While some are embracing technological solutions like Bovaer, others are prioritizing different sustainability pathways or waiting for further industry consolidation on the matter.
Bovaer: The Bigger Picture
The conversation around Bovaer for companies like Milk & More is part of a larger, global dialogue on agricultural emissions. The challenge for the dairy sector is immense; enteric methane from cows is a major component of its overall carbon footprint. Solutions like Bovaer offer a significant opportunity for reduction. However, their adoption depends on a complex interplay of factors, including regulatory approval, cost, efficacy in different farming systems (e.g., grazing versus intensive housing), and consumer acceptance. While Bovaer has regulatory clearance in the UK and is supported by scientific studies, consumer perception and concerns about food safety and potential environmental trade-offs remain relevant. The Soil Association, for example, has not approved Bovaer for use in organic farming, reflecting a more cautious stance within that segment of the market. These varying perspectives demonstrate that the choice of technology is not just scientific, but also a matter of brand strategy and customer values. For a deep dive into the technical details and safety assessments, the BBC provided a detailed explainer on the feed additive.
Conclusion
In summary, for consumers asking whether Milk and More use Bovaer, the direct and clear answer is no. The company has deliberately chosen not to integrate this methane-reducing feed additive into its supply chain, instead focusing on other sustainability initiatives like reusable glass bottles and electric delivery vehicles. While Bovaer represents an innovative and scientifically-backed method for reducing dairy methane, Milk & More's approach reflects a different set of priorities, emphasizing traditional, low-tech solutions and specific brand values. The varying strategies of Milk & More, Arla Foods, and other dairies highlight the diverse landscape of sustainable farming practices within the industry and the complex factors influencing corporate environmental decisions.
BBC article detailing Bovaer trials and misinformation surrounding it
