Greenpeace has slammed Nestlé's claim that 77% of its agricultural commodities are now 'deforestation-free', suggesting that the food group is seeking to “hide the truth” in order to retain its profits.
In a statement on its website, Nestlé claims that it has used a combination of tools, 'including certification, supply chain mapping, on-the-ground verification and satellite imagery from the Starling system' to achieve its zero-deforestation goals – a year ahead of the original 2020 goal.
The Starling system is the result of a collaboration between Airbus, the Earthworm Foundation and Nestlé.
'Accelerating Our Journey'
Commenting on the system, Magdi Batato, executive vice-president and head of operations at Nestlé, said, “Innovation and technology like Starling is accelerating our journey towards zero deforestation. This is transforming the way we manage deforestation risks in our palm oil supply chain – we are using this tool to hold our suppliers and ourselves accountable.
“We are satisfied with our progress, but there is much more to do,” Batato added. “The last miles to go are always the hardest.”
Recent Discussions
In response to Nestlé's statement, however, Richard George, head of forests at Greenpeace UK, said, “The claims made by Nestle today wholly contradict very recent discussions we’ve had with the company and its sustainability consultants.
“We know Nestlé continues to trade with some of the world’s guiltiest suppliers when it comes to deforestation for palm oil, soya and cocoa,” George added.
He went on to suggest, “[Nestlé's statement is a] blatant and embarrassing attempt by the company to deceive its customers and absolve all responsibility for its contribution to the destruction of the world’s forests.
“Despite the climate emergency we are in, it would appear Nestlé is working harder to hide the truth and chase short-term profit than to seriously change its ways for a better future for us all,” George furthered.
Plastic Problem
Greenpeace recently targeted Nestlé over its plastic production, with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation spring 2019 report indicating that the business produced 1.7 million tonnes of plastic packaging last year – a 13% increase on the year before.
“Nestlé should be worrying about the growing public concern over its plastic pollution, as more and more people understand your role in this crisis,” commented Jennifer Morgan, executive director of Greenpeace International.
“This is an opportunity to show leadership in tackling this global catastrophe – something you have stated as being your goal: to be a leader in this field,” added Morgan.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
