Water management in our supply chain
We aim for efficient water management in agriculture, especially in water-stressed areas.
Water management in agriculture
Agriculture accounts for 70% of all water withdrawals worldwide. In some regions, water consumption to produce food is increasing 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 identify opportunities to enhance water management practices and promote regenerative agriculture techniques.
We are beginning an in-depth study to estimate the water co-benefits of the agriculture and nature-based solution projects within our Net Zero Roadmap 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
Nestlé has committed to reaching net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 at the latest. In 2020, we published our timebound plan, the Nestlé Net Zero Roadmap (pdf, 16Mb), which underpins our Group’s climate 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 natural climate solutions. 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
Nestlé has committed to reaching net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 at the latest. In 2020, we published our timebound plan, the Nestlé Net Zero Roadmap (pdf, 16Mb), which underpins our Group’s climate 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 natural climate solutions. Read more about net zero.
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 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, restoring 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 too much demand on the water table.
- Mitigation and benefits: We made irrigation upgrades, leading to a reduction of groundwater consumption, the prevention of pesticide and fertilizer runoff, maintaining watershed quality, saving energy, and increasing crop yields.
