Dairy company Valio’s ESG Director Mervi Turunen reminds us that the recently expanded CSRD-compliant sustainability reporting is not the only goal of smart ESG data management, but it is also the original goal of reporting regulation: a more sustainable business.
Valio, owned by 3,400 dairy farms, has extensive sustainability work. With a turnover of 2.3 billion euros, Valio has 15 factories and exports to 50 countries. Perhaps Valio’s most impressive sustainability goal is to produce carbon-neutral milk by 2035.
Mervi Turunen is a pioneer in sustainability work, with around 20 years of experience in the field. Having worked at Valio for 13 years, Turunen has a strong background in certified systems and ESG standards.
– We will implement a comprehensive ESG data management system at the group level this year and utilize it, among other things, for CSRD reporting. Valio is continuously developing the availability of source data in factories and logistics. In addition, we have started to utilize robotics and artificial intelligence in data collection and processing, Turunen states.
Emission calculation needs streamlining
Valio implemented the Carbo environmental calculator in 2019, with a calculation model certified by the Carbon Trust. Gofore was involved in this project, and the collaboration has continued since then.
Valio is also working on important product-specific carbon footprint solutions in the consumer business, considering how to automate the calculation of product-specific carbon footprint for both B2B customers and consumers, as well as how to ensure that the carbon footprint information for wholesale outlets reaches the customer.
– Traceability is also an important theme for Valio. Compliance with the EU deforestation regulation, meaning the requirement for traceability of raw material and product-specific information, has also led to a substantial project with a tight schedule, Turunen adds.
CSRD: From individual dependency to data-driven
Reporting is not the least important matter on Turunen’s desk. Valio’s CSRD journey began two years ago, similar to Gofore’s. Turunen emphasizes the importance of maintaining the big picture while keeping up with the requirements.
– A mere purchase of a system does not solve problems. We need comprehensive knowledge of the current state, insight into future ESG data needs, the development of technology and tools, defining the need for potential new tools and investments, as well as change management and flexibility. We must remain open and ready to adjust plans, Turunen emphasizes.
In managing ESG data, Valio is now strongly shifting from dependency on individuals to data-driven approaches at the entire group level. This includes goals such as improving the accuracy and traceability of information, as well as creating new business opportunities, which is also the original aim of CSRD reporting. The uncertain legislative landscape requires companies to focus more strongly on sustainability work and data management.
– However, reporting is not the only goal of data management; its purpose is to increase investments in sustainable development, concludes Turunen.
Mervi Turunen spoke at an ESG-themed roundtable event organized by Gofore on 12 March 2025.