Environmental labeling of dairy products in Brazil: challenges for implementation

PurposeFood production, including dairy, impacts the environment. Environmental labeling can promote sustainability. This paper reviews the literature on environmental labeling in the dairy sector, focusing on Brazil. It examines the benefits and challenges of implementing such labeling, addressing the question: "What challenges exist in implementing environmental labeling of dairy products in Brazil?" The findings provide insights for future sustainability strategies and policies.MethodsA systematic review was adopted consisting of a targeted search in the Google Scholar and Scopus electronic databases for terms related to environmental labeling, environmental product declarations, product category rules, and life cycle assessments, specifically focusing on dairy products. Papers published in the last five years were considered, excluding studies on organic food labeling and nutrition. The research took place between October 2023 and February 2024.Results and DiscussionThe review of 16 studies, including scientific papers, theses, dissertations, and literature reviews, found that LCAs dominate environmental labeling research, focusing on butter, cheese, and milk in Brazil, Italy, and the United States. Methodologies varied, trending towards comprehensive approaches. Temporal analysis showed an evolution with more impact categories and databases like ILCD. Regional differences included Italian studies on cheese production energy efficiency and Brazilian studies on dairy farming's environmental impacts. No environmental labels were found on Brazilian dairy products, with only three types globally: Carbon Neutral, Carbon Trust, and Made Green (Italy), suggesting room for expansion. Challenges include LCA complexity, communication clarity, greenwashing risks, high certification costs, standards gaps, and limited producer awareness. Government support and public-private collaboration are crucial for addressing these issues.ConclusionsThe study emphasizes the need for strategies tailored to local realities, continuous improvements in LCA methodologies, and the establishment of clear, reliable standards for assessing environmental sustainability. Additionally, fostering education and awareness campaigns among both producers and consumers is crucial to ensure widespread understanding and acceptance. These measures are essential to ensure transparency, build consumer trust, and promote informed choices, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable dairy industry in Brazil.