Water management in our supply chain
Ecosystem health is key for water security. We focus on reducing usage in water-stressed regions, helping farmers adopt water-saving practices and improving access to clean water for communities.
Water management in agriculture
Agriculture drives around 70% of global freshwater withdrawals. In some water- stressed regions food production can contribute to pressure on local water resources. In other regions, agricultural inputs can affect the quality of water.
Our suppliers must comply with the Nestlé Responsible Sourcing Core Requirements (pdf, 2Mb). This standard requires them to comply with a set of legal and environmental requirements, including for water. We conduct annual assessments of current water risk at selected sourcing locations for key agricultural commodities, including cereals, coffee, dairy and sugar. We use a water stress index that combines data from four publicly available tools.
We use different tools, such as World Resources Institute (WRI)'s Aqueduct, to assess present and future water risk in our supply chain, including assessing future water trends and risks. By tracking the water footprint of key agricultural commodities, such as coffee, cocoa and dairy, we seek to strengthen water management and support the scaling of regenerative agriculture practices.
We are beginning an in-depth study to estimate the water co-benefits of the agriculture and nature-based solution projects within our Roots of Net Zero integrated climate and nature strategy and transition plan (pdf, 14Mb) for addressing shared water challenges.
Key terms explained
Regenerative agriculture
In line with the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform, Nestlé defines regenerative agriculture as an approach to farming which aims to conserve and restore natural resources, primarily soil, as well as water and biodiversity, while capturing carbon in soils and plant biomass, and to support farmers’ livelihoods. Examples of regenerative agriculture practices include reduced tillage and agroforestry. More information is available in our Nestlé Agriculture Framework (pdf, 19Mb). Read more about regenerative agriculture.
Net zero
In 2019, we announced our ambition to reach net zero GHG emissions by 2050 at the latest. In 2026, we updated our timebound plan, the Nestlé Roots of Net Zero (pdf, 14Mb), which underpins our Group's climate and nature strategy and acts as our transition plan aligned with a 1.5°C pathway as validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). We will balance any remaining emissions through high-quality nature-based solutions, such as agroforestry, silvopasture and the restoration of forests and peatland. Read more about net zero.
Regenerative agriculture
In line with the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform, Nestlé defines regenerative agriculture as an approach to farming which aims to conserve and restore natural resources, primarily soil, as well as water and biodiversity, while capturing carbon in soils and plant biomass, and to support farmers’ livelihoods. Examples of regenerative agriculture practices include reduced tillage and agroforestry. More information is available in our Nestlé Agriculture Framework (pdf, 19Mb). Read more about regenerative agriculture.
Net zero
In 2019, we announced our ambition to reach net zero GHG emissions by 2050 at the latest. In 2026, we updated our timebound plan, the Nestlé Roots of Net Zero (pdf, 14Mb), which underpins our Group's climate and nature strategy and acts as our transition plan aligned with a 1.5°C pathway as validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). We will balance any remaining emissions through high-quality nature-based solutions, such as agroforestry, silvopasture and the restoration of forests and peatland. Read more about net zero.
Nature-based solutions
Nature-based solutions (NbS) are strategies that use natural processes and ecosystems to address societal challenges, benefiting people, climate and nature at the same time. Nature-based solutions are actions aiming to conserve, manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems, such as agroforestry, soil management, and peatland and forest restoration.
Examples from the field
Local needs require tailored solutions. Our approach to water management is highly targeted, with detailed action plans.
We are working on projects in several areas, particularly where water quality or quantity is at stake. We are helping farmers implement water management practices to save water in their day-to-day work, by sharing new technologies, knowledge and other educational trainings.
Herrera del Duque, Spain
- Issue: The community identified pressures on biodiversity and the diminishing water level of a cherished local stream.
- Mitigation and benefits: The team planted trees, accompanied by sophisticated irrigation channels intended to enhance biodiversity, reduce evaporation and protect the habitat of an endangered fish species.
Ayutthaya, Thailand
- Issue: Inadequate use of inputs and poor maintenance of a canal had resulted in low water quality near the villages Ban Mai and Ban Yang Ngam.
- Mitigation and benefits: Our team partnered with the local Youth Water Guardian initiative, to establish a learning center and a campaign on the use of fertilizers and pesticides, waste removal and better wastewater management. These activities covered 21 km of this waterway.
Derbyshire, UK
- Issue: The River Ecclesbourne had been diverted into a weir, preventing local fish from migrating and impacting overall biodiversity.
- Mitigation and benefits: Our team is supporting the Ecclesbourne's restoration back to its original channel, bypassing the weir and opening over 28 km of the river and its tributaries for many fish species.
Sheikhupura, Pakistan
- Issue: Inadequate irrigation was causing the pollution of waterways and placing unsustainable demand on the water table.
- Mitigation and benefits: We made irrigation upgrades aimed at reducing groundwater consumption and lowering the risk of pesticide and fertilizer runoff. This helped support watershed quality, energy saving and crop yields.
