My kids never fail to impress me with their questions about the future of the planet and their desire to do good.
I bring this inspiration to my work every day. I am also motivated by our consumers and the choices they make in buying ethically and responsibly. At Nestlé, we want to be part of that journey. Together we can play a pivotal role in protecting our planet's future.
Positive plans are already well under way, and I am excited to see the progress that we have already made. In 2020 we published our net zero roadmap that will see us halving our emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050. Each of our 2000+ brands have their own part to play. Favorites like Nespresso, San Pellegrino, Perrier and Garden Gourmet are aiming for carbon neutrality by 2022 and KitKat and Sweet Earth plan to be carbon neutral brands by 2025.
Here are just a few of the different ways in which our brands are working to tackle climate change:
1. Offering more plant-based options
Our brands are creating new low-carbon offerings. Plus, many are making changes to existing products by using ingredients and processes with a lower carbon footprint.
Brand spotting
Garden Gourmet's Sensational Burger s sensational for more than just its flavor. It requires around 80% less CO2 emissions, water, and land use than a beef burger. And, for plant-based dairy alternatives, to name a few, there's Starbucks non-dairy creamersNesfit rice- and oat-based drinks, vegan-friendly Milo and plant-based Nescafé cappuccinos and lattes.
2. Sourcing ingredients responsibly
It is possible to reverse climate change through thoughtful farming practices that restore soil fertility. This is known as regenerative agriculture, and Nestlé is implementing and advocating for it across its supply chain. By developing and selecting plant varieties that are more resilient to climate change, crops stand a better chance, benefitting both farmers and the environment. Plus, nothing loves our planet more than trees. They remove carbon from the atmosphere, whilst also serving the livelihood of whole communities and housing all manner of wonderful wildlife. We have pledged to plant 200 million trees over the next 10 years, and we will end deforestation in our primary supply chains by 2022. We also work with farmers, suppliers, and communities where we operate to source our ingredients in a way that generates positive environmental and social impacts.
Next time you drink your morning coffee, you can sip safe in the knowledge that Nescafé's research team are working to develop, select and trial stronger Arabica and Robusta plant varieties that can better cope against the threats of climate change like severe droughts, diseases and pest infestations. Plus, Nespresso is planting trees in and around the farms where it sources coffee. Mucilon is also supporting reforestation in Brazil. And, in Australia, our team works closely with local farmers to ensure that your Uncle Tobys oats survive tough Australian conditions.
3. Sustainable packaging
Our team of researchers at the Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences are constantly working on inventive ways to make sustainable packaging that is more effective than ever. This is in the race to make 100% of our packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025.
Brand spotting
Spot some of our innovations in sustainable packaging like Nesquik launching paper pouches, Milo now using paper straws on its ready-to-drink range, Smarties moving to recyclable all-paper packaging, Vittel in returnable glass bottles, Purina Tidy Cats litter in refillable jugs via Loop and many more. We are also scaling up reusable and refillable options for our pet care and soluble coffee products, for instance, through collaboration with the start-up company MIWA in Switzerland.
4. Renewable electricity and lower emission transport
Renewable electricity comes from natural sources like sunlight or wind, and it plays a key role in tackling climate change, as it does not pollute the air or water. All our factories will be run on 100% renewable electricity by 2025. In 2020, 50% of all our electricity came from renewable sources and in several countries, we have already achieved 100% renewable electricity. Plus, for getting things from A to B, we are always researching and implementing ways to do this that are not harmful for the planet.
Brand spotting
Our Nescafé, Nido and Maggi factories in El Jadida, Morocco and Dubai, UAE have solar plants that provide renewable electricity and reduce CO2 emissions. All of Purina's factories in Europe, The Middle East, Africa, and Latin America now run on 100% renewable electricity. When it comes to transport, our Zoégas coffee brand in Sweden has introduced an electric truck powered by renewable energy which has reduced road transport carbon emissions by 40%.
About the author
Florence Henry
Global Dairy Sustainability and Plant-based Beverages Lead