BERKELEY, CALIF. — Perfect Day, maker of animal-free dairy proteins, has introduced a sustainability and health advisory council and announced the results of its lifecycle assessment.

The council members will guide the company on wellness and environmental issues, providing diverse perspectives across agriculture, health and wellness, food policy, sustainability and nutrition. The council includes actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio and former Secretary of Agriculture Ann M. Veneman.

Other council members are Okezue Bell, biotech and artificial intelligence developer; Katharine Kreis, country director, Peace Corps Eswatini; Dariush Mozaffarian, professor at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science & Policy at Tufts University; Danielle Nierenberg, president, Food Tank; Mary Shelman, former head of the Harvard Business School Agribusiness program; and David Stukus, MD, pediatric allergist and immunologist.

“A full-fledged response to climate change must bring innovation to all aspects of our daily lives — including to the foods we consume,” Mr. DiCaprio said. “Perfect Day’s forward-looking vision offers a new model for reducing the impact that our diets have on the planet. I’m pleased to be part of their advisory council and work together to support our shared urgent environmental mission.”

Perfect Day commissioned a comprehensive lifecycle assessment to evaluate the environmental impact of its non-animal whey protein, determining the company’s production generates at least 85% and up to 97% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than conventional production methods. The company said it plans to further quantify its environmental impact beyond greenhouse gas in future studies.

Founded in 2014, Perfect Day produces milk proteins by introducing the cow’s genetic code to microflora grown in large fermentation tanks. The ingredients have gained regulatory approval and provide the taste and texture of dairy minus the lactose, cholesterol, hormones or antibiotics.

Last year marked the commercial debut of products made with Perfect Day’s non-animal whey protein. Ice cream pints were launched by Brave Robot, Graeter’s and Nick’s Swedish-Style Ice Cream brands. Perfect Day has partnered with additional companies to launch cheese products and more in the year ahead.

“We began Perfect Day with a mission to create a kinder, greener tomorrow,” said Ryan Pandya, chief executive officer and co-founder of Perfect Day. “Our mission is urgent, and the direction of this group will help us maximize our impact. Leonardo DiCaprio and our other council members share our passion and hunger to combat the climate crisis and foster a global food system that prioritizes nutrition equity. Together, we’ll work to bring more nutritious, scalable, and sustainable options to people around the world.”

Originally Appeared On: https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/18416-perfect-day-names-advisory-council-members