Dairy decarbonisation approach brings world’s first low-emission milk to Australia

Tasmanian dairy producer Ashgrove, in partnership with Sea Forest, a 2023 Earthshot Prize finalist, has announced a ground-breaking achievement in the global fight against climate change: the world's first commercially available low-emission milk, Ashgrove Eco-Milk.

This pioneering product represents a significant leap forward in the decarbonisation of the dairy industry, offering consumers a delicious and sustainable choice. The product is now available on shelves in Woolworths, Coles, and IGA supermarkets across Tasmania.

Ashgrove Eco-Milk delivers the full cream milk experience, retaining its taste and quality while reducing methane emissions. This achievement is possible through Ashgrove's innovative partnership with Sea Forest, a fellow Tasmanian company.

"Partnering with Ashgrove to launch the world's first low-emission milk is a remarkable milestone for Sea Forest," says Sam Elsom, CEO of Sea Forest. "This pioneering collaboration demonstrates the potential of our methane-mitigating feed product, SEAFEED, to revolutionise the dairy industry globally. We are committed to working with partners like Ashgrove to expand this technology and empower consumers worldwide to make sustainable choices while enjoying delicious and nutritious milk."

Sea Forest, a global leader in Asparagopsis seaweed cultivation, has developed SEAFEED – a revolutionary feed product with the potential to reduce methane emissions from livestock by up to 90%. By incorporating SEAFEED into their cows' diet, Ashgrove significantly lowers its herd's methane footprint without compromising milk quality. SEAFEED has been used across commercial farming and feedlots for the past three years and is backed by over 30 peer-reviewed studies.

Ashgrove Eco-Milk is Sea Forest's latest climate-friendly product innovation. Sea Forest has also partnered with Grill’d to create the game-changer burger, the world’s first sustainable grass-fed beef burger. Sea Forest is also partnering with Fonterra, Asahi, and MJ Bale to reduce methane emissions across multiple industries and product lines.  

Beyond SEAFEED, Sea Forest is actively developing a range of Asparagopsis seaweed-based products with applications beyond the livestock industry. These innovations target various sectors, including nutraceuticals, bioplastics, and biofuels, offering a holistic approach to sustainability.

"Ashgrove is proud to be at the forefront of this global challenge, offering a solution rooted in Tasmanian innovation," states Richard Bennett, Managing Director of Ashgrove. "Eco-Milk embodies our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being."

Sea Forest was recently recognised by Fast Company as one of the world’s most innovative companies and was a finalist for the 2023 Earthshot Prize.