DSM-Firmenich, Bayer partner to redefine animal protein footprinting

NETHERLANDS – DSM-Firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health and Bayer have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to drive a new era of sustainability in animal agriculture through improved environmental footprint measurement. 

The agreement combines Bayer’s expertise in primary crop life cycle assessment (LCA) data with DSM-Firmenich’s Sustell platform, an ISO-assured environmental footprinting solution for animal protein, to deliver a comprehensive, data-driven view of farming’s true environmental impact.

The partnership comes at a time when consumers, retailers, processors, and investors are increasingly demanding credible and transparent environmental reporting from the food industry. 

Because animal nutrition, particularly feed crops, contributes significantly to the overall footprint of animal protein, integrating crop data into livestock footprinting has long been a missing link in sustainability accounting.

“Reliable, primary data from crop to feed to farm to processor is essential for building trust and enabling smarter, sustainability-driven choices,” DSM-Firmenich stated. 

The collaboration between the two global companies seeks to fill that data gap and set a new benchmark for transparency and accountability across the entire animal protein value chain.

Bayer, which has been helping companies measure the carbon footprint of crops since 2020, brings extensive experience in generating trusted primary field data. Sustell, developed by DSM-Firmenich, enables accurate, science-based footprint measurement and reporting within animal protein systems. 

Together, these tools will empower the value chain to identify key areas for improvement, enhance efficiency, and unlock new business value while reducing environmental impact.

A shared commitment to regenerative farming

“We are thrilled about this strategic partnership,” said Lionnel Alexandre, EMEA Head of Ecosystem Services for Bayer CropScience. 

“The ability to accurately measure, valorize, and recognize the real efforts made by farmers is a critical milestone toward long-term, viable and regenerative agriculture. Extending these capabilities across the animal protein value chain is a powerful step forward for the entire ecosystem.”

The partnership aligns with both companies’ broader sustainability ambitions. DSM-Firmenich has been at the forefront of developing science-based solutions for animal health and nutrition, while Bayer has been advancing climate-smart agriculture through digital and data-driven innovations.

As DSM-Firmenich continues to evolve its portfolio, including its plan to find a new owner for its Animal Nutrition & Health business, this partnership highlights its continued leadership in sustainability and innovation. 

At a time when sustainability is becoming a defining factor in global food production, the DSM-Firmenich–Bayer collaboration stands out as a model for how data-driven partnerships can transform the future of animal agriculture.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.