A food company that has a sustainable program is Nestle. The program is drive by a CSV strategy, which stands for “Creating Shared Value”. This program focuses on the long-term success of the company and how this can also provide benefits for society and the environment. Some of the elements of the program include sourcing sustainably, reducing emissions, water conservation and sustainable packaging.
The company website states that Nestle sources raw materials responsibly and ensures that its ingredients are grown using sustainable farming practices. Sustainable farming practices include reducing deforestation and improving the livelihoods of farmers. The company states that it is striving for deforestation-free supply chains and advancing regenerative agriculture. Nestle collaborates with organizations such as Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade to promote these efforts.
Nestle is also working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the supply chain. They have started to transition to renewable energy in processing factories. Additionally, the company is exploring sustainable agriculture practices. The company wants to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Nestle promotes water conservation by reducing water usage in high stress regions. It also treats wastewater to replenish water sources.
I think the most interesting sustainability program that Nestle is doing is transitioning to 100% sustainable packaging by 2025. As of 2023, 86.6% of their packaging was recyclable, reusable, or compostable. In order to do this, Nestle is experimenting with alternate paper-based and biodegradable materials instead of plastic. The company is also trying to reduce the amount of packing that is being used and hope to build a circular economy with packaging. This means that product packages can be reused and recycled instead of simply being thrown away. I think it is also fascinating that Nestle is helping to improve the recycling systems and infrastructure in certain regions. For a recycling plan to be effective, the public must know how to recycle properly.