What does sustainability mean in the context of food and Nestlé’s operations?
Sustainability matters to us at Nestlé because our business depends on stable food systems and healthy ecosystems. Our actions address two main challenges: reducing our environmental footprint and strengthening the resilience of our supply chains and our company. Our work on emissions, water stewardship, and human rights is directly linked to long-term performance, as set out in our 2025 Non-Financial Statement and Creating Shared Value reporting. We have a strong roadmap to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with clear progress already underway, and we are investing in regenerative agriculture to protect soils and support farmers. We continue to work towards packaging, circulatory, and deforestation-free sourcing. Sustainability is not separate from the business. It shapes how we grow, source, and earn trust around the world.
How does Nestlé reduce its environmental impact?
Nestlé is working to reduce its environmental footprint across the entire value chain. Packaging is being redesigned to use less material, source more recycled content, and we are investing in developing systems for recycling at scale. On climate, Nestlé is cutting emissions by sourcing renewable electricity, improving transport efficiency, and working with farmers on regenerative practices that reduce emissions at source. Water use is tackled through tighter controls in factories and the reuse of process water to leave local water systems healthier.
Why should young people care about sustainability in their daily lives and future careers?
Young people will live longest with the consequences of today’s decisions, which makes sustainability personal, not abstract. The food they eat, the clothes they buy, and the energy they use all shape demand and signal what kind of economy grows next. Those signals already matter. Employers now expect graduates to understand climate risk, resource constraints, and social impact, as these issues shape costs, supply chains, and investment decisions. Careers are changing as a result. Jobs in engineering, finance, marketing, and agriculture increasingly involve water scarcity, emissions, or waste. Ignoring sustainability does not protect future options. It shrinks them.
Careers Making an Impact
What skills or studies can students start building now to prepare for these careers?
At Nestlé, sustainability spans many roles rather than being in one team. Supply chain teams focus on where ingredients come from and how they are produced. Engineers and environmental scientists work on climate, water, and nature targets. Product developers and packaging engineers rethink recipes, formats, and materials. Finance and risk teams assess climate exposure and investment choices. Marketing teams work to ensure sustainable actions are embedded in consumer communications. In fact, every role at Nestlé is impacted by our Net Zero ambition.
Students can start by building strong foundations and understanding of climate impacts. Studies across a range of fields can be relevant to a career in sustainability – engineering, environmental science, supply chain, data, agronomy, communications and commerce. Skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and systems thinking are valuable. So is understanding how businesses work, because impact only sticks when it fits commercial reality.
