Nestlé accelerates action to tackle climate change; inaugurates packaging research institute

Nestlé has announced its ambition to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It embraces the most ambitious aim of the Paris Agreement, to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C. Ahead of the U.N. Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit this month, Nestlé will sign the “Business Ambition for 1.5°C” pledge.

With this announcement Nestlé is accelerating its climate change efforts. This builds on a decade of work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Over the past four years, Nestlé has aligned its objectives with science-based targets to keep the temperature increase below 2°C. Over the next two years, it will lay out a time-bound plan including interim targets consistent with the 1.5°C path. Nestlé will review its progress annually to ensure it is on track.

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

• Speeding up the transformation of its products in line with consumer trends and choices. Nestlé will launch more products that have a better environmental footprint and contribute to a balanced diet. Nestlé will also look to reformulate its products using more climate-friendly ingredients. The company is also moving to alternative packaging materials.
• Scaling up initiatives in agriculture to absorb more carbon. Nestlé will strengthen its programs with farmers to restore land and limit greenhouse gas emissions. This includes improved management of its dairy supply chain.
• Using 100% renewable electricity in Nestlé factories, warehouses, logistics, and offices. A third of Nestlé factories (143) are already using 100% renewable electricity. Nestlé will continue to increase the use of energy from renewable sources. This will enable suppliers to invest in new infrastructure such as wind and solar farms.

In related news, Nestlé has officially inaugurated the Institute of Packaging Sciences, which enables the company to accelerate its efforts to bring functional, safe, and environmentally friendly packaging solutions to the market and to address the global challenge of plastic packaging waste.

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.

“Our vision is a world in which none of our packaging ends up in landfill or as litter,” said Mark Schneider, Nestlé CEO, at the Institute’s inauguration. “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.”

Climate change press release

Institute of Packaging Sciences press release