Global food giant Danone (Paris / France; www.danone.com) has teamed up with resource management specialist Veolia (Paris / France; www.veolia.com) to combat climate change. The two French companies have set up an alliance aimed at improving the water cycle, waste management, sustainable agriculture and energy efficiency, and spanning the globe. The partnership will prioritise secure access to water resources as well as the sustainable management of plastic packaging – both issues that are central to Danone’s recently adopted climate policy. As part of the plans, the companies intend to set up production units for recycled plastic, to ensure a secure supply source and to “transform consumption and waste management practices, and transition into a circular economy.”

In a detailed analysis, Danone found that packaging makes up 13% of its carbon footprint and a more sustainable approach will help it meet its 2050 target of zero net carbon emissions. The two companies said they have already identified specific projects and will begin rolling out the initiative in 2016. After gaining experience from several pilot projects, they intend to expand deployment.