What if we could collect methane emissions by dressing cows with an astronaut helmet? Or by breeding them in hermetic barns? How much could we get for 1 ton of methane captured? These were business ideas we brainstormed with a group of friends 20 years ago for an “innovation workshop” at the University, when we first heard about the negative impact of cow burps… Trying to turn a challenge into a business opportunity! Those ideas did not live long, only a few evenings’ roommates discussions over beer. At the early days of 2000, the methane gas market value was as poor as the taste of our craft beers.
Two decades later, the world has changed… The society’s awareness, that it is time to act, to preserve our planet, as well as time to adopt new and creative technologies, is allowing us to tackle environmental challenges. One of my mentors used to quote: “The opportunity of a lifetime needs to be seized during the lifetime of the opportunity”. It is now time to act and embrace the DSM journey in reducing emissions from livestock. The work and research we do at DSM, to develop solutions for reducing emissions from livestock are critical to those whose livelihood depends on profitable animal production. It is a key business driver to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal number 13 on Climate Action, aiming to integrate climate change measures into policy and planning by 2030. It is one of our missions at DSM to support our customers to become more sustainable by producing safer quality products and by reducing their environmental footprint. A win-win for DSM, our customers, consumers and our planet.
By the way, one of my University roommates is now successful in producing his own craft beer… So never give up, be curious and always experiment your ideas! It is in the essence of the human being to dream, to dare, to desire and to be ambitious in what he or she believes….
The WE MAKE IT POSSIBLE positioning supports our ambition to be the world leader in animal nutrition & health, providing tangible and measurable solutions to our customers so together we can tackle the biggest challenges facing society & the animal protein industry.
If not us, who?
If not now, when?
So, let’s make it possible!
All the best,
Julien Martin
Director, Global Ruminants
