The environmental benefits of Breastfeeding

The environmental impact of formula feeds, particularly infant formula, is significant and multifaceted, involving greenhouse gas emissions, land and water use, pollution, and resource depletion. Here’s a breakdown of the major areas of concern:

1. Dairy Production (Primary Ingredient Source)

Most infant formula is made from cow’s milk or other animal-based ingredients, making dairy farming a central issue.

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Dairy cows produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The entire dairy supply chain (feed production, manure management, processing, transport) contributes to global emissions.
• Land Use: Large tracts of land are required for both raising cows and growing feed crops.
• Water Use: It takes thousands of litres of water to produce just 1 kg of powdered formula (mostly for growing feed and managing livestock).

Example: A 2012 study estimated that producing 1 kg of infant formula requires about 4,700 litres of water.

2. Manufacturing and Packaging

• Energy Consumption: The manufacturing process for formula (processing, drying, mixing) consumes a lot of energy.
• Packaging Waste: Most formula comes in metal tins or plastic containers. These materials, if not recycled, add to landfill waste.
• Single-Use Plastic: Bottles, scoops, and other accessories often involve single-use plastic, contributing to environmental degradation.

3. Transportation

• Global Supply Chains: Formula is often transported long distances from production facilities to stores or homes, adding to carbon emissions.
• Cold Chain Requirements (for ready-to-feed formula): Maintaining refrigeration during transit consumes additional energy.

4. Water and Sanitation Impact

• Water for Preparation: Formula must be mixed with clean water. In regions with poor water quality, this increases the risk of contamination and health issues.
• Boiling and Sterilisation: Requires energy and water, adding to environmental costs.

5. Waste

• Food Waste: Unused formula or bottles must be discarded, and formula has a limited shelf life after preparation.
• Diapers: Formula-fed babies may produce more solid waste earlier than breastfed infants, potentially contributing to more diaper waste.

6. Comparison with Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding has a significantly lower environmental impact, as it:

• Requires no packaging or transport,
• Produces no waste,
• Uses no external energy (beyond maternal caloric intake),
• Is considered a sustainable and renewable food source.

Key Studies and Findings

1. Imperial College London Study (2019)

A study led by Dr. Natalie Shenker at Imperial College London highlighted that producing one kilogram of powdered infant formula requires approximately 4,700 litres of water. The study also found that breastfeeding for six months could save an estimated 95–153 kg CO₂ equivalent per baby compared to formula feeding. In the UK alone, supporting breastfeeding could equate to taking between 50,000 and 77,500 cars off the road each year in terms of carbon emission savings. 

2. Australian National University (ANU) Study (2020)

Research from ANU estimated that producing and using commercial infant formula globally results in emissions ranging from 14 million to 28 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually. Additionally, the process consumes over 10 million cubic meters of water. These figures encompass emissions from dairy farming, manufacturing, packaging, and transportation. 

3. Life-Cycle Assessment Study (2022)

A life-cycle assessment comparing four months of exclusive formula feeding to breastfeeding found that formula feeding resulted in 35–72% higher environmental impact across various categories, including global warming potential, terrestrial acidification, and land use. The primary contributor to these impacts was the production of cow's milk. 

4. Green Feeding Climate Action Tool (2024)

The Green Feeding Climate Action Tool developed by researchers provides insights into the environmental impacts of commercial milk formula production and use. It emphasises that formula production involves multiple agricultural and industrial steps, with dairy milk production being a major contributor to its environmental impact, particularly through carbon and water footprints. 

 Environmental Impacts of Formula Feeding

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The dairy industry, a primary source of infant formula ingredients, contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions. Methane emissions from livestock and energy-intensive manufacturing processes are major contributors. 
• Water Consumption: Producing one kilogram of infant formula requires approximately 4,700 to 5,000 liters of water, considering factors like cow feed irrigation, livestock hydration, and processing needs. 
• Waste Generation: The formula industry generates substantial waste, including packaging materials and single-use feeding accessories. For instance, in the United States alone, it's estimated that 86,000 tons of metal and 364,000 tons of paper from formula packaging are added to landfills annually. PMCNews-Medical+4PMC+4Frontiers+4
• Resource Depletion: The production of ingredients like palm oil, used in some formulas, contributes to deforestation and habitat loss, impacting biodiversity. Breastfeeding Support