Nestlé achieves 13.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023

SWITZERLAND – Nestlé, a global food and beverage giant, has achieved a net reduction of 13.5% in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2023 compared to its 2018 baseline.

The reductions which also includes a 15.3% decrease in methane emissions, were realized through comprehensive programs and initiatives spanning all three scopes of activities (scope 1, 2, and 3).

Despite business growth during the same period, Nestlé successfully decoupled its expansion from emissions, positioning itself on track to achieve a 20% absolute reduction in GHG emissions by 2025.

In 2023, a noteworthy 94% of Nestlé’s GHG emission decline originated from operational and supply chain improvements.

In addition the company noted that notable projects in dairy and livestock, such as initiatives under the Ninho brand in Brazil, contributed to a quarter of the emissions reductions achieved in 2023.

Antonia Wanner, Group Head of ESG Strategy and Deployment at Nestlé, emphasized the company’s commitment to a net-zero roadmap and collaboration with partners to enhance sustainability in food production.

She stressed the importance of a just transition to accelerate Nestlé’s efforts and highlighted the company’s focus on improving livelihoods across its value chain.

”Our progress on emissions reductions is proof of our unwavering commitment to our net zero roadmap,” she said.

“We are working closely with our partners to help make food production more sustainable, while aiming at enhancing livelihoods across our value chain at the same time. A just transition is crucial to accelerate our efforts.”

Meanwhile, addressing the significant impact of ingredient sourcing on emissions, Nestlé is actively collaborating with suppliers and farmers in an initiative to transition towards regenerative agriculture practices.

According to the company, tailored to regional contexts, the initiative centers around five key pillars: diverse cropping systems and livestock integration, biodiversity, collective and landscape actions, soil health, and water security and quality.

In a press release the company highlighted its commitment to a just transition that includes providing technical, collaborative, or financial support for farmers.

As of the end of last year, 15.2% of Nestlé’s raw materials were sourced from farmers practicing regenerative agriculture, with a target to reach 20% by 2025.

At the moment, Nestlé is concurrently enhancing energy efficiency in its operations, with 91.9% of the electricity sourced for global manufacturing sites coming from renewable sources by the end of 2023.

Looking ahead, Nestlé is committed to further reducing emissions through agroforestry, deforestation prevention, and new farming practices.

The company aims to boost innovation in both products and agri-tech through internal research and development and external partnerships.

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