Are Baby Formulas Sustainable?

The number of breastfed infants has been declining, with many mothers weaning earlier than recommended for various reasons. While experts widely discuss the convenience and nutrition of baby formulas, their sustainability receives far less attention.

» Have your baby lead the weaning

Concerns are growing more than ever before—it's becoming more critical to examine the environmental footprint of the formula industry's production and manufacturing processes.

» Help your baby grow with a plant-based formula and contribute to a sustainable future for the planet

So, Is a Baby Formula Sustainable?

There has been little research explicitly examining how environmentally damaging baby formula production is despite growing sustainability concerns in the food industry overall. But, the limited data that does exist suggests baby formula has a significant environmental footprint.

» Check out the telltale signs a formula doesn't agree with your baby

A 2015 report found that just the manufacturing of milk-based infant and toddler formulas in several Asian countries produced around three million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. This doesn't even account for the emissions from packaging, transportation, and other lifecycle stages.

To put that into perspective, those manufacturing emissions alone are equivalent to the emissions from nearly seven billion miles of driving or consuming over 300 million gallons of gasoline each year.

» Read our guide on organic baby formulas

What Do Experts Suggest?

Given this heavy environmental toll, some experts are advocating a shift back towards breastfeeding. Breastmilk is the most environmentally friendly food source for babies. It produces no waste, emissions, or water footprint since it requires no packaging, processing, or transportation.

But, mothers face a growing number of challenges that may inhibit their ability to breastfeed. In fact, a 2017 report from the World Health Organization and UNICEF says that no country meets the recommended support for it.

In such cases, formulas can provide crucial nutrients for infant growth and development. Around two-thirds of babies worldwide rely on formula, whether dairy-based or alternative milk sources.

» Learn the signs and symptoms of milk allergy in babies 



The Environmental Impact of Baby Formulas

Making infant and toddler formula has significant environmental impacts:

• It requires vast amounts of natural resources and water (over 1,000 gallons of water per 1kg of powdered formula).
• It generates high greenhouse gas emissions, primarily methane, from cow agriculture used to produce milk ingredients for baby formulas. It traps heat more potently than carbon dioxide.
• Animal agriculture destroys vegetation and biodiversity when land is cleared.
• The product packaging creates plastic and other waste that pollutes water and soil.
• Processing, storage, and global transportation of formula products uses significant energy from fossil fuels.

» Find out how to transition your baby from breastmilk to formula

Are There Sustainable Alternatives?

Some companies are addressing the environmental impact of traditional infant formula by using plant-based ingredients instead of animal-derived ones. For example, Else Nutrition Dairy-Free Infant Formula uses a combination of protein-rich almonds and buckwheat.

While almonds do require water to grow, they are much more environmentally sustainable than animal products used in typical formulas:

• One almond needs about 1 gallon of water to produce
• But 1 gallon of cow's milk requires 900 gallons of water
• And 1 pound of beef needs nearly 1,900 gallons of water

» Check out a healthy alternative for babies with allergies to cow's milk

So, while plant-based ingredients like almonds still use some water, their impact is far lower than resource-intensive animal agriculture. Our products support animal welfare, use fewer natural resources, and reduce environmental harm—providing sustainable formulas for your baby.

Plant-Based Options for a Greener Path

While providing essential nutrition, traditional milk-based formulas have a weighty carbon footprint stemming from greenhouse gas emissions, land, and water use for livestock farming.

But, plant-based formulas like those pioneered by Else Nutrition can be a viable eco-friendly alternative. As consumer demand increases, companies have an opportunity to embrace the new wave of innovation.

Those willing to lead this green revolution can meet your baby's nutritional needs while caring for the planet. We should pick the right sustainable—one that nourishes our children and our Earth in equal measure.

» Has your kid outgrown formulas? Try sustainable, ready-to-drink shakes they can carry to school