Hey Future Leaders,
Happy International Youth Day! Today, we shine a spotlight on the incredible contributions of young innovators at Nestlé, like Brooke McGrath, who are helping make a difference. These inspiring stories demonstrate how the leaders of tomorrow are also the driving force behind positive change today.
Meet Brooke McGrath: A Champion for Sustainability
Brooke McGrath is one of the many passionate young professionals at Nestlé who are committed to creating a more sustainable future. Her work at the Nescafé factory in Gympie, Queensland, is a perfect example of how innovative thinking can lead to impactful solutions.
With the Gympie factory producing the equivalent of 230 cups of coffee every second, Brooke and her team faced a significant challenge: how to manage water use responsibly.
In the past, waste water from production was sent off-site for treatment. But Brooke and her team saw an opportunity to challenge the status quo, championing the potential for this used water to become a valuable resource.
Turning Waste into a Resource
In mid-2023, this potential was made a realitywhen Nestlé installed a state-of-the-art $2 million water treatment system at the Gympie factory. This revolutionary system allows the team to recycle wastewater from production on-site and reuse it in cooling towers. As a result, they are saving an astonishing 45 million litres of water each year—enough to fill about 18x 50-metre swimming pools!
This achievement is especially significant in Gympie, where water scarcity can be a concern. By reducing water usage, Brooke and her team are helping to protect local water supplies, especially during dry seasons. Their innovative thinking is paving the way for a more sustainable future, not just for Nestlé, but for the entire community.
Check out the video here:
Making a Positive Impact on the Environment
Brooke’s story is just one example of how Nestlé is driving a more sustainable future. Other sustainability successes at Gympie include:
- Using Responsibly Sourced Coffee Beans: Nescafé products are made from coffee beans that are responsibly sourced, using a comprehensive set of practices and standards designed to support ethical, environmental and social responsibility. This commitment is verified by several third-party organisations including Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade.
- Sourcing Renewable Electricity: Like all Nestlé factories, distribution centres, offices, boutiques and labs in Australia, Gympie sources renewable electricity generated from wind power.
- Minimising Waste: The Gympie factory uses spent coffee grounds and locally sourced sawdust to generate the steam needed for Nescafé production and minimise the amount of waste.
The Future of Sustainability
Nestlé’s team believes that passionate young people like Brooke are the future of sustainability. Their dedication to improving Nestlé’s environmental impact inspires the whole team to think differently and act responsibly.
As you embark on your own career journeys, remember that you too can be a part of this positive change. Whether in your school, community, or future workplace, your actions can lead to a more sustainable world.
Join Us in Celebrating International Youth Day!
As we celebrate International Youth Day, we recognise the incredible contributions of young innovators everywhere. People like Brooke are leading the way to create a sustainable future for both Nestlé and the world.
Nestlé wants YOU to be a part of innovating sustainability! Your ideas and passion can help shape a better future for our planet. If you’re interested in joining their talent community and exploring opportunities at Nestlé, check out their Career Board!
