Mengniu commits to green development with sustainable model

A media contingent visits a Mengniu factory. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A contingent of 100 domestic and international journalists recently ventured into the heart of the Ulaanbukh Desert – one of the country's eight major deserts – which is located in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

They went there on Aug 2-4 to report on the eco-friendly initiatives being undertaken by dairy giant China Mengniu Dairy Co, which is based in Hohhot, capital of the region. 

Since 2009, Mengniu Dairy, with its subsidiary Shengmu, has been on a 14-year mission to transform the desert into a thriving green oasis, undertaking a remarkable journey.

With the group's unwavering commitment to ecological priorities and sustainable development, Mengniu Dairy is widely said to have achieved remarkable milestones within the Ulaanbukh Desert.

Over the years, the company has managed to plant an astounding 97 million trees – covering an area of over 200 square kilometers – and established 23 dairy farms. These efforts have enabled the group to rear 110,000 cows, producing 600,000 metric tons of organic milk annually.

As a result, the world's largest organic milk production base was created within the desert, setting an unparalleled example of sand prevention, control and integration of the circular economy.

The Shengmu Grass Organic Plantation Park is located in the hinterland of Ulaanbukh Desert. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Mengniu Dairy's accomplishments have not gone unnoticed on the global stage. The company's environmental efforts were recently recognized by the United Nations Global Compact, earning them a place in the Corporate Net Zero Pathway as a case study.

The accolade is said to serve as a testament to Mengniu Dairy's dedication to eco-prioritization and sustainable development, positioning the group as a world-class benchmark for the dairy industry in China.