Babies are the future of our world. They represent the potential for new beginnings and endless possibilities. Switzerland is a country that is constantly innovating and striving to improve. It is also a country known for its fresh water from the Swiss Alps, lush hillside grasslands and free-roaming cows that produce some of the best milk in the world.
These sustainable Swiss practices, specifically in the dairy and farming industry – including protection of grasslands, clean water, solar energy and high standards in social and economic regulations – align to allow us at Pharmalys Laboratories to produce the highest quality products in infant nutrition.
World-renowned for their milk products such as cheese and chocolate, Switzerland is a world leader in sustainable dairy and farming practices. This includes a strong tradition of animal welfare and environmental protection.
Just like babies, the cows in Switzerland are cared for and nurtured by their caregivers. “Swiss farms, most of which are family-run, keep an average of 27 animals, to which they develop a strong bond,” according to SwissMilk, an organization that represents the interests of Swiss milk producers at a social and economic policy level. “So every Swiss cow is given its own name by its owner.”
Additionally, all of the Pharmalys products produced in Switzerland are in accordance with the ‘Sustainable Swiss Milk’ industry standard, which ensures Swiss dairy cows benefit from strict animal welfare requirements.
The base of the infant nutrition products produced by Pharmalys Laboratories is this high-quality milk from Swiss cows, along with cows from the Netherlands. After collecting the cow milk, it is converted into powder using a gentle process that allows it to be refined with high-quality vitamins and minerals to ensure that babies are getting all of the nutrients they need.
“The time between milking the cow and the first processing step is just 48 hours,” says Gautam Agarwal, the Chief Operating Officer at Pharmalys Laboratories. “Our quality products undergo more than 50 analyses checks and in-process controls before they are released. Maintaining high quality production is our major strength.”
Working with the Swiss dairy industry also allows us at Pharmalys Laboratories to enhance our model of sustainability and lead the way in developing innovative practices to reduce our environmental impact. This aligns with the Swiss dairy industry’s goal to reduce its carbon footprint, which it has set to do by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% – an initiative supported by the Federal Office for Agriculture.
Along with treating their cows like family, Swiss farmers who supply milk to Pharmalys Laboratories participate in the “swissmilk green” production standard. This label distinguishes the most sustainable and natural milk production based on 10 requirements: free-range cows, naming their cows, special care for infant calves, strict rules for cattle shows, protection for pregnant cows, medication and antibiotic restrictions, biodiversity, GMO-free feeding, 100% palm oil and palm fat-free, and high-functioning milking techniques. The label helps raise the high level of animal welfare, feeding, regionality and health in the Swiss milk production industry.
Additionally, Switzerland has some of the world’s strictest animal welfare legislation. More than 86% of Swiss dairy farms participate in the government’s RAUS support program, which guarantees open-air exercise for the animals. This means the cows spend most of their lives outdoors, free-roaming on Switzerland’s lush grasses.
“Switzerland’s grasslands offer ideal conditions for milk production: fodder (such as grass, hay, silage and maize) is over 90% domestically sourced and is 100% free of GMOs,” according to SwissMilk.
The Swiss government has a strong commitment to supporting the sustainable management of grassland. The government provides financial assistance to farmers to help them manage their grassland sustainably and to protect biodiversity and minimizes its impact on the environment.
“Without grazing, these open grassland areas would become overgrown and biodiversity would decline,” according to SwissMilk.
Rounding out our sustainable elements, Pharmalys Laboratories also uses alternative energy sources to power its manufacturing facilities.
“In 2023 there was a huge photovoltaic system installed on the roof of the main Swiss production facility in Sulgen,” says Gautam Agarwal. “This is a working example of the commitment to reduce the environmental impact and to make our baby food products more sustainable.”
Photovoltaic panels convert thermal energy into electricity, as opposed to solar panels, which convert solar radiation into heat. PV panels provide clean, green energy by ensuring no harmful greenhouse gases are emitted.
Pharmalys Laboratories is also committed to social sustainability, reaching countries and communities that few companies go to. We are present in more than 35 countries in different regions in the world.
“We support social development and promote medical and scientific education in the regions that we serve,” says the COO. “As a privately-owned company this is important for our long-term economic sustainability. We’re not driven by short-term profits but instead focused on developing innovative baby food products that meet the needs of babies and families around the world.”
At Pharmalys Laboratories, we believe that these sustainable practices are essential to the long-term health of not just our company, but the world's population. Whether it’s partnering with “swissmilk green” farmers, using alternative energy and clean water in the production of our products, or expanding our education and reach, we are dedicated to producing high-quality baby food products that help the world’s population grow and thrive.
Sources:
SwissMilk. https://www.swissmilk.ch/en/green/international/
