CHINA – Chinese dairy products producer Yili is exploring the use of space technology in developing the next generation dairy products that will meet nutritional and quality demands of the future.
In this regard, the company has partnered with an affiliate of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) to develop an innovation hub known as ‘Space Lab for Future Dairy”.
According to Yili, the partnership with China Center for Aerospace Science and Technology International Communications (CCASTIC) will leverage space technology to bring new innovations to the dairy health sector.
The companies will be exploring new packaging technologies using new space materials, bacterial strains in space, TanSat-based pasture monitoring, and health and nutritional care.
They will also be looking to bring forward nutrition and health products tailored for special segments of the population, with the aim of enabling consumers to enjoy advanced technologies and products in their daily lives.
Dr. Situ Wenyou, a scientific researcher at Yili’s Innovation Center, said he hoped the inter-disciplinary cooperation will bring about lighter, safer and more environmentally friendly food packaging materials.
Zhang Jianqiu, CEO of Yili Group, said: “Yili will strive to develop more healthy dairy products that fulfil consumers’ nutritional demands and meet strict quality standards. We will drive and contribute to the upgrading of the dairy industry through space technology.”
Yili to participate in space experiments
Yili said it aspires to participate in future space experiments by applying research to dairy products under special conditions such as long-term microgravity, strong radiation and extreme temperatures.
To date, the company has built 15 innovation centers globally, and actively engages in innovation-focused collaborations across its supply chain.
Yili is also stepping up its efforts to build the Future Intelligence and Health Valley in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
The Valley includes a US$785m demonstration program focused on the 5G and AI-based green production of liquid milk, the largest and most highly automated such initiative of its kind.
2050 net-zero campaign gets underway
Earlier, the chinese dairy giant launched its Plan For A Net-Zero Carbon Future and Roadmap to A Net-Zero Carbon Future.
Pan Gang, chairman and president of Yili Group, said Yili peaked carbon emissions in 2012 and is committed to achieving carbon neutrality before 2050, with targets set for 2030, 2040 and 2050.
The company has also set up the Yili Group Net-Zero Carbon Alliance with 43 of its global strategic partners.
Yili recognized Tetra Pak, FrieslandCampina, Chr. Hansen, Roquette, and four other suppliers as Low Carbon Pioneer in Yili’s Global Supply Chain.
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