Nestlé, as the world’s largest food and beverage company, represents a leading example of integrating comprehensive sustainability reporting into business strategy, considering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions. The company’s 2024 Non-Financial Statement and Creating Shared Value (CSV) Report demonstrate Nestlé’s commitment to embedding sustainability at scale, aligned with evolving regulatory frameworks including the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).
Governance and Strategy
Nestlé’s sustainability governance is led through the Board of Directors’ Corporate Sustainability Committee, supported by a dedicated Chief Sustainability Officer. The strategy focuses on transparent performance communication, embedding sustainability across the value chain from farm to table.
Nestlé’s “Net Zero Roadmap” commits the company to carbon neutrality by 2050, with interim targets including:
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20% absolute reduction in greenhouse gases (GHG) by 2025 vs 2018 levels
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50% reduction by 2030
Targets are science-based, verified by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), underscoring ambition and accountability.
Climate and Emissions Progress
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Total scope 1 and 2 emissions for 2023 were approximately 4.6 million tonnes CO₂e, a 15% decrease from 2019.
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Scope 3 emissions, representing over 80% of Nestlé’s carbon footprint, focus on raw materials like cocoa, coffee, dairy, and palm oil.
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91.9% of total electricity consumption at manufacturing sites was renewable in 2023, up from 78.4% in 2022.
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Nestlé aims for 100% renewable electricity by 2025 across all operations, leveraging power purchase agreements and green tariffs.
The company’s supply chain is a focal area, with extensive due diligence for deforestation:
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93.4% of key commodities (coffee, cocoa, meat, palm oil, pulp & paper, soy, sugar) verified deforestation-free by end of 2023.
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Traceability methodologies use risk tools (Maplecroft), partnerships with Earthworm Foundation, Proforest, and AI-enabled platforms to monitor hotspots.
Water Stewardship
Nestlé has reduced overall water withdrawal by 31% since 2010 through operational efficiency improvements and recycling initiatives. Key projects:
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Replenishing watersheds in sub-Saharan Africa, providing safe water access to over 6 million people.
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Applying advanced water-reuse technologies in plants, combined with risk-based watershed management.
Water management is linked closely with community impact, enhancing local development through infrastructure, education, and healthcare partnerships.
Circular Economy and Packaging Innovation
Nestlé continues to innovate in packaging to reduce its environmental footprint:
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72% recyclable or reusable packaging achieved in 2023, targeting 100% by 2025.
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Increased use of bio-based plastics and recycled content.
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Initiatives to phase out single-use plastics, boosting collection and reuse rates globally.
The company also promotes responsible waste management throughout the supply chain with enhanced commitment to zero-waste operations.
Social Impact and Nutrition
Nutrition and social responsibility are central themes:
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Over 132 billion servings of affordable fortified foods delivered globally in 2024, contributing to improved micronutrient intake in vulnerable populations.
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The ‘Needs YOUth’ program supported more than 10.2 million young people with employability and skills training.
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The Nestlé Cocoa Plan engaged 123,953 producer households, focusing on eliminating child labor and promoting sustainable farming.
Nestlé reports workforce diversity with 47.4% female middle and senior managers and extensive training and safety programs.
Innovation and Technology
Nestlé employs AI and blockchain for supply chain traceability, risk assessment, and verifying sustainability claims. These technologies enhance transparency and help address complex issues like climate risk and deforestation.
Assurance and Reporting Alignment
Nestlé’s 2024 ESG disclosures are externally assured and comply with GRI, SASB, TCFD, and EU CSRD regulations ensuring high data integrity. The company publishes comprehensive methodologies and data sets online, facilitating independent analysis.
Quantitative Highlights (2023 Data)
| Metric | Result | Benchmark/Target |
|---|---|---|
| Absolute GHG reduction vs. 2018 (%) | 20.38% | SBTi-aligned |
| Renewable electricity at sites (%) | 91.9% | 100% target by 2025 |
| Commodity deforestation-free verification (%) | 93.4% | 100% by 2025 |
| Water withdrawal reduction vs. 2010 (%) | 31% | Continuous improvement |
| Fortified food servings (billion) | 132 | +5% YoY |
| Female middle & senior managers (%) | 47.4% | Gender parity objectives |
| Waste diverted from landfill (%) | 90% | 100% goal ongoing |
Key URLs and Resources for Further Insight
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Nestlé 2024 Non-Financial Statement:
https://www.nestle.com/sites/default/files/2025-02/non-financial-statement-2024.pdf -
Creating Shared Value 2024 Report:
https://www.nestle.com/sites/default/files/2025-02/creating-shared-value-nestle-2024.pdf -
Climate Action and Sustainability:
https://www.nestle.com/sustainability/climate-change -
Third-Party Reporting Frameworks and Assurance:
https://www.globalreporting.org
https://sciencebasedtargets.org
