Theland A2 β-casein Whole Milk (1L)
Lower Carbon Plant-Based Tetra Pak 1L Carton

The Farm

Approximately 28% Lower Carbon Footprint from Cradle to Farm Gate

Dairying in Australia produces milk with a 27.9% lower carbon footprint (total greenhouse gas emissions per kg of product), when compared to the global average of other major milk producing nations.

Results from a recent international study showed that the carbon footprint of Australian milk production was 1.06 kg CO2e per kg FPCM (fat and protein corrected milk) compared to the global average of 1.47 kg CO2e per kg FPCM.

Outdoor grazing with efficient pastoral-based farming systems is one of the contributing factors that resulted in lower GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions for Australia.

Farm Assurances- A2 Milk

The farms are registered and licensed with the relevant State Authority. This includes the requirement to have an independently audited food safety program.

The pure A2 β-casein milk used in the production of the product, is sourced from 5 specialised dairy farms within the Goulburn and Murray Valleys located within the south-eastern corner of Australia.

Routine surveillance and monitoring of the raw milk supply from the farm ensure ongoing compliance.

Farm Assurances- Fresh Milk Supply

All milk supplier farms are required under the Dairy Act 2000 to be licensed with the relevant State Authority.

The farms must comply with the conditions of the licence which includes filtering and chilling the milk to below 5°C within 3.5 hours from the start of milking to ensure freshness.

The Factory

Lower Carbon Initiatives - 25% Renewable Energy

The factory manufacturing this product has invested in sustainability initiatives that include:

• Renewable energy sources:

Investing in a solar system which supplies over 25% of the total energy needs of the site. At installation in 2020 the carbon offset for this project was in excess of 5,000 tonnes of CO2 or in terms of trees it is equivalent to 1,700 trees being planted.

• Water Saving initiatives:

Water from the cooling cycle of the UHT units is captured and recycled for re-use onsite, resulting in a saving about 300,000L of water per annum.

Factory Assurances – A2 Quality Assurance

On arrival at the factory a sample of the chilled milk is taken from the tanker and checked for quality.

The milk is not accepted if it fails to meet required specifications.

The raw A2 milk is kept segregated in dedicated silos.

Once approved for use, the milk is standardised, and ultra-heat treated to achieve commercial sterility.

The milk is aseptically packed into individual tamper-proof Tetra Pak cartons.

Each brick (individual unit) is individually coded for traceability.

Samples from each batch of finished product are tested for compliance to specification prior to release.

Testing includes a range of *chemical, microbial, and sensory attributes to ensure that food safety and quality requirements are met.

*The protein composition is tested by the laboratory to ensure that the level of A1β-casein protein is below the quantification level of the analytical method used.

Factory Assurances – Regulatory Assurances

The dairy factory is regularly audited to ensure it complies with the regulations which include:

• The Dairy Act 2000
• The Food Act 1984
• The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (FSANZ)
• Dairy Food Safety Victoria (DFSV).
• The factory additionally holds SQF (Safe Quality Food) Accreditation, an internationally recognised Food Safety and Quality Program.

The factory is registered with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources and meets the requirements of The Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

The Packaging

Packaging Assurances – 14% Lower Carbon Footprint Packaging

Theland’s Australia Pure A2 β-casein milk is packed into 1L Aseptic Tetra Pak cartons containing plant-based materials (including plant- based plastics).

This results in a 14% lower carbon footprint than the standard 1L Aseptic Tetra Pak carton, with over 81% of the carton containing plant-based materials.

Packaging Assurances – Carbon Trust

The carbon footprint of the packaging and the reductions have been certified by the Carbon Trust – using internationally recognised standards.

Plant-Based Material

The plant-based plastics make up approx. 15.7% of the carton and are made from Bonsucro certified polymer derived from sugar cane.

Packaging Assurances – (FSC™)

Paperboard makes up approx. 65.9% of the carton and has been made with wood from forests certified to the Forest Stewardship Council - (FSC) standards and other controlled sources.

Shipping

Shipping Assurances

The shipping company must ensure that the products are accompanied by all EAD (export accompanied documents) that are required by the importing country, including:

• customs documents
• health certificates
• certificates of laboratory testing analysis

All other documents that are required by the importing country must be completed and approved before the container is sealed and loaded on board the ship.

The product is shipped to China and checked by China Customs on arrival. China Customs check the import documentation to confirm all requirements have been met and may test the product again prior to releasing it into the country.

Once cleared by Customs the product is sent to the warehouse.

Retail

Retail Assurances

The product arrives at the warehouse where it is managed using barcoding and traceability systems.

Product is loaded onto delivery trucks and distributed to individual shops, supermarkets, and other customers.

The AQ Assured brand and QR code can be scanned to provide consumer confidence of the food safety and quality measures undertaken throughout the supply chain.