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 — with major implications for pork producers who are increasingly facing sustainability expectations from processors, retailers, and global export markets.
What This Means for the Swine Industry
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.
This approach will give producers and integrators the ability to:
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Measure their environmental impact using real, verifiable data rather than estimates.
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Identify opportunities to reduce emissions through feed formulation and management practices.
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Strengthen their position with packers, retailers, and international buyers demanding proof of sustainability performance.
Driving Value Beyond Compliance
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.
Industry Leadership Perspectives
Industry leaders from both companies say this collaboration is about advancing trust and value across the entire pork supply chain.
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Lionnel Alexandre, EMEA Head of Ecosystem Services: “Accurately recognizing the real sustainability efforts of farmers is a critical step toward long-term, viable agriculture.”
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David Nickell, VP Sustainability and Head of Sustell™: “This partnership enables greater insight and accountability while unlocking significant value for companies focused on sustainable animal protein.”
Looking Ahead
This initiative sets a new benchmark for transparency in pork production. As environmental footprint reporting moves from voluntary to expected, tools like Sustell™—powered by primary crop data from Bayer—position pork producers to stay ahead of evolving market demands.
Swine Web Insight:
The future of pork production will not only be measured in feed efficiency and litter size, but in verified sustainability metrics. Partnerships like this signal where the industry is heading—and pork producers who adopt footprinting tools early will be better positioned for long-term market access and profitability.
