Sets target to reach net-zero emissions by 2050
Nestlé will move beyond protecting forests to restore and help thrive, as part of its efforts to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. With its new forest positive approach, the company will also further promote sustainable livelihoods and the respect of human rights.
The actions build upon a decade of work to end deforestation in Nestlé’s key forest-risk commodities. 90 per cent of those key ingredients—palm oil, sugar, soy, meat as well as pulp and paper—have been assessed as deforestation-free as of December 2020. Nestlé has used tools, such as supply chain mappings, certification, on-site verification and satellite monitoring services like Starling or Global Forest Watch, to achieve this result. In addition, the company also collaborated with farmers, farming communities and suppliers on the ground.
“The use of satellite imagery has helped us on our journey to stop deforestation,” said Laurent Freixe, EVP, CEO, Zone Americas, Nestlé. “We will now expand the use of this technology to monitor the sourcing of coffee and cocoa—two important ingredients for our much-loved products.” Utilising satellite monitoring services, Nestlé will carry out a risk assessment in the regions where it sources its ingredients. Starting with the Americas and then expanding globally, will help the company take swift actions in sourcing these raw materials sustainably.
Within its palm oil supply chain, Nestlé has completed a Forest Footprint pilot (pdf, 3Mb) in the Aceh province in North Sumatra, Indonesia. A key objective of this pilot was to better understand future risks to forests and peatlands as well as the rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs).
The company will reward suppliers for their environmental efforts by buying bigger quantities, contracting with them long term, co-investing in programmes that promote forest conservation and restoration, or by paying a premium for their products.
