A mission to protect a drop of cleanliness - Nestlé's environmental protection strategy - March 2025

A mission to protect a drop of cleanliness - Nestlé's environmental protection strategy - March 2025

The Swiss Nestlé Group has been actively working since the beginning of the 2020s to both maintain the quality of its natural mineral water and protect the environment. The company is working to reduce its environmental impact while promoting a multifaceted approach to sustainable water resource management, climate change action, plastic reduction, and community partnerships.

Investments in water cycle restoration projects
In 2021, Nestlé Waters announced plans to invest 120 million Swiss francs (about 14.4 billion yen) in water cycle restoration projects around the world by 2025. This will support a total of 100 projects in 48 regions to promote the sustainable use of water resources. This includes strengthening groundwater recharge and improving water management in cooperation with local communities.

Huge Investment in Climate Change Solutions
Nestlé has announced plans to invest CHF 3.2 billion (approximately 374 billion yen) over the next five years to combat climate change. Part of the funds will be used to support farmers and suppliers in their conversion to environmentally regenerative agriculture and to promote the planting of 200 million trees over the next 10 years.

Reducing Plastic Use and Renewable Energy
Nestlé has set a goal of reducing the use of virgin plastic by one-third and converting all product packaging to reusable or recyclable materials by 2025. The company is also working on a plan to switch to 100 percent renewable energy for electricity at all its sites.

Transparency and Community Collaboration in Environmental Protection Activities
To ensure transparency in its environmental protection activities, Nestlé conducts assessments in accordance with the World Resources Institute (WRI) guidelines for Volumetric Water Benefit Accounting (VWBA). Furthermore, Nestlé Japan is promoting environmental protection activities in collaboration with local communities, and since 2019, Nestlé Japan has been cooperating with the Suma Universal Beach Project to conduct beach cleanup activities.

Sustainable Agriculture and Forest Protection
Nestlé aims to procure 50 percent of its main raw materials from producers practicing regenerative agriculture by 2030. In addition, the company plans to plant 200 million trees by the same year, with the goal of achieving zero deforestation.

Violation of Environmental Regulations and Responses in France
In 2024, Nestlé Waters was fined €2 million for illegal water drilling and unauthorized water treatment in France. The company admitted the violations and stated that it would cease its unauthorized treatment. It also pledged to invest €1.1 million in an environmental restoration plan for a local river.

Related Information
- Water Cycle Restoration Project
- Climate Change Investment
- Plastics Reduction and Renewable Energy
- Environmental Protection Transparency (WRI)
- Nestlé Japan's beach cleanup activities
- Forest Protection and Sustainable Agriculture
- Environmental violations and responses in France