dsm-firmenich: The Future of Sustainability in the US & More

As President of Animal Nutrition & Health at dsm-firmenich, Ivo Lansbergen supports the company’s mission to radically transform the sustainability  of food and farming.

His journey with dsm-firmenich began in 1997, working across various roles and business units. Since 2019 he has led the Animal Nutrition & Health business.  

Today, dsm-firmenich is recognised as the industry leader in vitamins, premixes, feed additives and precision services with nearly 8000 employees globally.

In this interview, Ivo discusses the future of sustainability in the US and beyond.

The US has pulled out of the Paris Agreement - what does this mean for the  future of climate change regulation? 

It’s important to not lose sight of the fact that climate science has not changed,  even worse climate effects are increasingly observed year by year.

Agriculture produces approximately one-third of greenhouse gas (GHG)  emissions globally and is at the same affected by climate change (extreme  weather patterns, increasing heat stress, pressure on the environment due to  nitrogen emissions, etc.) 

In order to meet the needs of the global population, projected to reach 10 billion  people in 2050, the sector must become more sustainable. It’s not just about  meeting climate targets, but also ensuring food security, protecting ecosystems  and supporting the livelihoods of farmers around the world.  

dsm-firmenich, alongside other leading companies, has made voluntary science based commitments to reduce its GHG emissions. These commitments are  grounded in the understanding that sustainability is not just an environmental  responsibility but a necessity.  

Many countries, industries and companies are still committed to the future of  climate action, adopting new technologies or developing sustainable products  and services. 

I think this reflects the fact that sustainability also provides the opportunity for companies to innovate, differentiate and grow.  

Why should businesses continue to meet environmental goals, and how can  they integrate sustainability into their operations while remaining  competitive? 

We’re only five annual harvests away from 2030, a critical milestone for  companies that have set Science-Based Targets (SBTi) for reducing GHG  emissions. This is especially significant for businesses and their supply chain  partners who are working to meet sustainable goals.  

When it comes to making a business case for sustainability, a strong argument in  favor is that sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand, especially in food and farming. 

For food companies and food retailers, a significant portion of their environmental  footprint comes from the farm. More efficient farms are not just more profitable than less efficient ones: they also have lower environmental footprints!  

While some see sustainability as an added cost, I see sustainability as a business  driver. It’s not just about operational efficiency, though; improving animal health and ensuring optimal animal nutrition are crucial to better farm incomes and  lower food waste.  

Our customers are keen to learn how their own sustainability efforts can help them to secure financing options, access carbon insetting opportunities, add  eco-labels to their products and tap into higher-value market segments where consumers are increasingly focused on sustainability. 

How can predictable long-term sustainability frameworks create market  stability and foster innovation? 

In industries like food and farming, sustainability is becoming a key differentiator, so predictable long-term sustainability frameworks are crucial when helping  suppliers keep pace with expectations, as well as creating market stability and fostering innovation. However, there are risks for companies that fail to meet the  expectations set by these frameworks. 

Accusations of greenwashing can subject companies to regulatory, legal and reputation risks. As environmentally conscious consumers and stakeholders seek transparency in sustainable actions, misleading claims  undermine market trust and ultimately damage company positioning. 

Any reliable primary data must be backed by robust methodologies and  independent, third-party certification. This level of transparency not only helps to  demonstrate the authenticity of a company's sustainability efforts but also instils  confidence among stakeholders.  

dsm-firmench's Sustell, the industry-leading life cycle assessment (LCA)  platform, to support the measurement of calculations and emission reductions  for sustainable business practices in the animal protein industry. By aligning with value chain partners around common sustainability goals and data standards, we work together to implement more effective and innovative solutions that drive long-term impact. 

What is the intersection of data-driven solutions and sustainability initiatives? 

Quite simply it's where true business value begins to materialize. When  companies prioritize transparency and credibility in their sustainability efforts,  they begin to gain a number of insights and discussions that bring genuine  business value.  

Often times, our customers have a lot of data but get little value from it. That  means that our customers may not necessarily see opportunities to improve  efficiency or mitigate potential risks to their operations. Our suite of precision  services makes the invisible visible, and helps our customers to act on their data. 

For example, hypothesis testing (what-if analyses) helps companies test different  sustainability actions using data. This analysis identifies actions or investments that offer a good return on investment while reducing environmental impact, such as optimising logistics for lower emissions or adopting renewable energy use. These insights enable data-backed decisions that align with sustainability goals,  turning sustainability into a business driver. We’ve built this decision-making  assistance into SustellTM so that egg, meat, milk, dairy and aquaculture products can be made more sustainably and profitably.  

In another example, with Verax our customers can identify unseen issues on their farms and correct them before they endanger animal welfare or profitability.

With FarmTell and Lore our clients can manage their farm or feed mill with their smartphone and receive advice on where they can make improvements.  

In short, precision services use data-driven technologies to make our customers'  lives simpler, more efficient and more rewarding – while helping the planet. 

How can companies implement strategies that help businesses integrate  sustainability while maintaining market competitiveness? 

We want to feed the world without costing the planet. By focusing on approaches  that not only drive environmental impact but also offer long-term business  benefits, companies can make sustainability a business driver. There are several  sustainable strategies that complement market competitiveness, reducing costs  in the long term, opening new markets for product differentiation and innovation, building stakeholder loyalty and appealing to environmentally conscious  consumers. 

We have identified six key business drivers linked to sustainability that guide our business:  

• Reducing Food Loss & Waste 
• Reducing Emissions from Livestock 
• Efficient Use of Natural Resources 
• Improving the Lifetime Performance of Animals 
• Reducing Reliance on Marine Resources 
• Helping Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance 

These drivers help integrate sustainability while maintaining market  competitiveness. 

These megatrends define the market opportunities we see, and play a huge part  in our decision-making process throughout the business, including in investment,  innovation and product development. 

At dsm-firmenich, we like to say ‘we make it possible.’ We strongly believe that  the world needs sustainable food systems. That’s why we are working to  transform the animal nutrition and health industry worldwide so that it can deliver  the solutions our planet needs, creating brighter lives for all. By aligning sustainability with business strategy, companies can not only stay competitive but also create long-term value while contributing to a healthier planet. 

What advice do you have for sustainability leaders, particularly in the US,  looking to manage the disconnect between political opinion and long term  strategy? 

Managing the disconnect between political opinion and long-term sustainability  strategy can be difficult, especially in several areas where discourse is very  polarized. It is important to have dialogue that allows for an open exchange of  views and perspectives.  

However, I believe the key to navigating this divide is to remain focused on the  long-term vision and business case for sustainability. Long-term strategy requires  a perspective that looks ahead to five, 10 or even 20 years in the future (and  beyond). Ultimately, we will be judged by the results we deliver, and we will be  judged tomorrow by what we hand over to the next generation.

Political opinions and policy will continue to evolve, but sustainability leaders  must remember that sustainability isn’t about responding to political change now,  it’s about adapting to constant change.

I find it helpful to keep a few things in mind.  

1. Focus on the long-term value of sustainability: Ensure that your sustainability  goals are aligned with the long-term vision of your business. This includes framing  sustainability not as a cost, but as a driver of innovation and critical in creating  competitive advantage. Businesses that commit early will be better positioned for  long-term success. 

2. Adapt to the shifting policy landscape: The broader landscape is always  evolving. While this can create uncertainty, it also creates opportunities for  businesses to shape their long-term strategy. Always be prepared to adapt when  necessary and keep your long-term sustainability goals at the forefront. Ensure  your sustainability strategy can thrive regardless of the short-term fluctuations . 

3. Lead with integrity and purpose: Finally, be authentic with your sustainability  strategy that aligns with your company’s values. Authenticity is critical in an era  where environmentally conscious consumers and stakeholders seek  transparency in sustainable actions. Reliable, primary data backed by robust  methodologies and independent, third-party certification are key. Leading with  integrity, purpose and validity will build trust for long-term success.