Nestlé is signaling its pledge to tackle climate change with the announcement it is targeting zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. As part of its strategy, Nestlé says it will sign the “Business Ambition for 1.5°C” pledge, which aims to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C.
“Climate change is one of the biggest threats we face as a society,” says Mark Schneider, chief executive officer of Nestlé. “It is also one of the greatest risks to the future of our business. 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 Nestle’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 goals, Nestlé has identified several specific actions it plans to take, including:
- Speeding up the transformation of its products in line with consumer trends and choices. Nestlé says it plans to introduce more products with a better environmental footprint, including more plant-based food and beverage options. The company also says it will reformulate its products to use more climate-friendly ingredients. A move to alternative packaging materials also is in the works, the company says.
- Scaling up initiatives in agriculture to absorb more carbon. Nestlé says it intends to strengthen its programs with farmers to restore land and limit greenhouse gas emissions. The company also plans to step up efforts to protect forests by replanting trees and enhancing biodiversity.
- Using 100% renewable electricity. While a third of Nestlé’s facilities already use 100% renewable electricity, the company says it will continue to increase the percentage of plants that use energy from renewable sources.
Nestlé’s pledge to tackle climate change came the same day the company inaugurated the Institute of Packaging Sciences in Lausanne, Switzerland. The new institute allows Nestlé to accelerate its efforts to bring functional, safe, and environmentally-friendly packaging solutions to market. The institute will focus on refillable or reusable packaging, simplified packaging materials, recycled packaging materials, high-performance barrier papers as well as bio-based, compostable, and biodegradable materials.
“Our vision is a world in which none of our packaging ends up in landfill or as litter,” Schneider says. “To achieve this we introduce reusable packaging solutions and pioneer environmentally-friendly packaging materials. Furthermore, we support the development of local recycling infrastructure and deposit schemes to help shape a waste-free world. The Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences enables us to create a strong pipeline of sustainable packaging solutions for Nestlé products across businesses and markets.”
