Deforestation-free supply chains

Working towards deforestation-free supply chains is a key component of our net zero target and to sourcing ingredients that are produced sustainably.

To advance this core pillar of our Forest Positive strategy, we use tools like farm assessments, certification and satellite monitoring. While the lessons of the past decade have shown us this work alone is not enough, it is critical that we continue to adopt sourcing practices that do not contribute to additional forest loss.

Over a decade of progress tackling deforestation

2010

97.2 %

The need to find ways to fight against deforestation and restore forests

The planet needs trees and thriving forest landscapes to protect biodiversity and keep the planet from warming. But population growth and increasing demand for food mean forests and natural ecosystems are being converted into farmland.

+ 50 %

30 %

200 million

Deforestation-free by 2025

We aim to achieve 100 percent deforestation-free meat, palm oil, pulp and paper, soya and sugar primary supply chain by 2022, and by 2025 for coffee and cocoa. These commodities are considered to have the highest impact on deforestation and conversion of natural ecosystems.

As we deploy new tools, validate assessments, and take a more forward-looking approach, we are confident that we will achieve our target.

Read the Towards a Forest Positive Future report

DOWNLOAD (PDF, 11Mb)

Working to assess risks and tackle their root causes

We take a risk-based approach to implementing our commitment. We start by mapping our supply chains to identify the origins of our raw materials. We then take steps to assess that our sourcing is preventing the risk of deforestation. Raw materials are confirmed as deforestation-free when they can be traced either to low-risk origins or have been assessed as deforestation-free either from the sky or from the ground.

Today, we can trace the majority of our supplies to origin, and thanks to better data and monitoring, we are equipped to respond more effectively to deforestation alerts in our supply chains. We use the following tools to continue our work towards 100% deforestation-free supply chains.

Risk assessment tools

1. Supply chain mapping
2. Desktop-based risk assessment
3. On-the-ground assessment
4. Satellite monitoring

Risk mitigation tools

1. Supplier engagement
2. Landscape projects
3. Smallholder farmer initiatives
4. Industry collaboration

Our progress toward deforestation-free primary supply chains

Based on this approach, the following volumes are assessed as deforestation-free:

Traceable to low-risk origin = Volumes have been traced back to regions classified as at low risk of deforestation using tools such as Maplecroft. The traceability exercise is carried out in collaboration with our partners (e.g. Earthworm Foundation and Proforest) or using technology (e.g. SupplyShift).

Assessed on the ground = Volumes have been assessed through on-the-ground assessments, including by High Carbon Stock Approach and High Conservation Value assessments, by our partners (e.g. Earthworm Foundation, Proforest, SGS) and/or through certification such as Roundtable on Responsible Soy and Proterra (soya), Forestry and Stewardship Council and PEFC (paper) and Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil. Only segregated volumes are accepted as deforestation-free.

Assessed from the sky = Volumes have been assessed through satellite monitoring of production sites (farms, mills or supply area) in our supply chain identified through a traceability exercise.

Unknown = Not traced or being traced but not yet deforestation-free.

Our progress toward deforestation-free primary supply chains (pdf, 50Kb)

Nestlé is working towards deforestation-free ingredients.

Nestlé was one of the first companies to make a commitment to deforestation-free supply chains. At the time we knew it would be challenging, but we felt it was a moral imperative - for our environment, for the people, and for our planet at large.