Nestlé pledges net zero emissions by 2050 and unveils eco-friendly alternative packaging facility

13 Sep 2019 --- Nestlé plans to reformulate products using more “climate-friendly” ingredients, within a larger bid to achieve “zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.” In addition, the company has inaugurated a new research facility dedicated to innovating eco-friendly alternative packaging solutions. Ahead of the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit this month, the Swiss food giant will sign the UN’s “Business Ambition for 1.5°C” pledge, an initiative to curb rising global temperatures backed by notable industry players such as Firmenich and Royal DSM.

Across industry, companies are increasingly pushing for a re-alignment of operations with sustainability benchmarks. In the last year, food producers have faced criticism following reports detailing the detrimental impacts of climate change, deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.

Over the past four years, Nestlé has underscored its focus on streamlining operations with science-based targets to keep the temperature increase below 2°C. Over the next two years, the company plans to lay out a “time-bound plan” that includes interim targets consistent with the 1.5°C path. Nestlé will review its progress annually to ensure it is on track.

“Climate change is one of the biggest threats we face as a society. It is also one of the greatest risks to the future of our business,” says Mark Schneider, Nestlé’s CEO. “We are running out of time to avoid the worst effects of global warming. That is why we are setting a bolder ambition to reach a net-zero future. Deploying Nestlé’s global resources and industry know-how, we know we can make a difference at significant scale. Our journey to net-zero has already started. Now, we are accelerating our efforts.”

To achieve its 2050 ambition, some of the company’s actions include:

• Speeding up the transformation of its products in line with consumer trends and choices. Nestlé plans to launch more products that have a better environmental footprint while contributing to a balanced diet. This includes more plant-based food and beverage options. Nestlé will also look to reformulate its products using more climate-friendly ingredients. The company is also targeting a shift to alternative packaging materials.
• Scaling up initiatives in agriculture to absorb more carbon. Nestlé is looking to strengthen its programs with farmers to restore land and limit greenhouse gas emissions. This includes improved management of its dairy supply chain. Nestlé has also cited plans to replant trees to enhance biodiversity.
• Using 100 percent renewable electricity in Nestlé factories, warehouses, logistics and offices. A third of Nestlé factories (143) are already using 100 percent renewable electricity, according to the conglomerate. The increased use of energy from renewable sources will enable suppliers to invest in infrastructure, such as wind and solar farms, states Nestlé.

Limiting global warming to 1.5°C requires transformational change across industries, governments and society as a whole, the company advocates. Supportive legislation could help to reduce barriers to expanding renewable energy markets, incentivize innovation in the agriculture and forestry sectors to capture more carbon and help to establish carbon pricing, the brand further adds.

Nestlé’s 2050 ambition builds on ongoing targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain. The company is seeking to raise efficiencies in its distribution networks and warehouses by optimizing routes to reduce fuel consumption and to lower carbon emissions. 

In the company’s top 100 distribution centers, greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by close to 40 percent over the past four years, the brand notes. Nestlé has also cited a “zero deforestation” target, which it hopes to achieve through intensified activities to ensure the responsible sourcing of its raw materials. Since 2014, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain is equivalent to taking 1.2 million cars off the road, the company states.

Nestlé’s Institute of Packaging Sciences
Furthering its bid to sustain its eco-friendly operations, Nestlé officially inaugurated the Institute of Packaging Sciences, dubbed the “first-of-its-kind in the food industry.” Nestlé YES! snack bars wrapped in recyclable paper packaging.Research at the new Institute aims to accelerate Nestlé’s efforts to bring functional, safe and environmentally friendly packaging solutions to the market and to address the global challenge of plastic packaging waste.

The Institute is part of the company’s fundamental research entity Nestlé Research, located in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences focuses on a number of science and technology areas, such as refillable or reusable packaging, simplified packaging materials, recycled packaging materials, high-performance barrier papers as well as bio-based, compostable and biodegradable materials. 

Nestlé is aiming at achieving 100 percent recyclable or reusable packaging by 2025, and has launched novel packaging solutions towards this target. In the last year, the brand has developed products in recyclable paper packaging such as the Nesquik All Natural cocoa powder and the YES! snack bars, as reported by FoodIngredientsFirst’s sister platform PackagingInsights.

By Benjamin Ferrer