Nestlé strikes past forest safety to a forest optimistic technique
Nestlé will also continue to promote sustainable livelihoods and respect for human rights
Nestle has announced that as part of its efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, it will go beyond protecting forests to restore them and thrive. With its new positive forest approach, the company also becomes a sustainable livelihood and respect for human rights.
These measures build on decades of work to end deforestation in Nestlé’s key forest-endangered raw materials. In fact, 90% of these key ingredients – palm oil, sugar, soy, meat, and pulp and paper – were classified as deforestation free in December 2020.
To achieve this result, the company used tools such as supply chain mapping, certification, on-site verification, and satellite monitoring services such as Starling or Global Forest Watch. The company also worked with local farmers, farming communities and suppliers.
“To meet global food needs in 2050, agricultural production will have to increase by around half compared to 2013,” said Magdi Batato, EPP, Head of Operations at Nestlé. “It is more important than ever to protect natural ecosystems to meet this challenge and restore forests for the future.” He added that this positive forest strategy is key to regenerating the earth’s water systems, soil health and carbon storage.
While Nestlé has a positive forest approach, it will also accelerate work to fully eradicate deforestation in its supply chains for palm oil, sugar, soy, meat, and pulp and paper by 2022. It plans the same for its coffee and cocoa supply chains by 2025.
“The use of satellite imagery has helped us on our path to curbing deforestation,” said Laurent Freixe, EVP, CEO of Zone Americas, Nestlé. “We will now expand the use of this technology to monitor the sourcing of coffee and cocoa – two key ingredients in our popular products.” Using satellite monitoring services, Nestlé will conduct a risk assessment in the regions from which it sources its ingredients. This will help the company, starting in America and then expanding globally, to take quick action to source these raw materials sustainably.
“A positive future for forests is only possible if agricultural production and forest regeneration are in harmony,” adds Laurent Freixe. “By changing the way we grow, source and consume, we can ensure that our food supplies are intact for the future. We have to do this and at the same time look after our valuable trees, stabilize our climate and improve the livelihoods of farmers and communities. “
Within its palm oil supply chain, Nestlé has completed a forest footprint pilot project in Aceh Province in North Sumatra, Indonesia. A key objective of this pilot project was to better understand future risks to forests and moors, as well as the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs). By understanding these drivers and issues, the company is better able to implement effective, forward-looking strategies.
Nestlé will promote a positive forest approach among its suppliers in order to create sustainable landscapes and livelihoods. The company will reward suppliers for their environmental efforts by purchasing bulk quantities, entering into long-term contracts with them, investing in programs to promote the conservation and restoration of forests, or by paying a premium on their products.
“Forest Positive can only be achieved if we work hand in hand with farmers and local communities, industrial partners and governments to develop more comprehensive solutions at the local, regional and global levels,” said Magdi Batato. “The benefits are numerous: more resilient communities and livelihoods, more sustainable food systems, and a healthier planet.”
