By Elvis Eromosele
In today’s world, environmental sustainability is more than a trending topic—it’s a transformative business strategy for companies serious about longevity, profitability, and impact. This shift is evident in the private sector’s increased focus on sustainable practices.
It is no surprise that Nestlé Nigeria, a household name synonymous with quality and taste, is quietly revolutionizing its approach to business in line with this trend. Beyond its iconic products, the company is emerging as a frontrunner in environmental sustainability. This strategic shift is a fundamental transformation that underscores the company’s commitment to a greener future.
By embedding sustainability into its DNA, Nestlé continues to demonstrate that environmental responsibility is not only compatible with business success but can drive it. “For us, sustainability isn’t a phase; it’s the foundation of our future,” says Victoria Uwadoka, Nestlé Nigeria’s Corporate Communications and Sustainability Lead.
Nestlé’s commitment to sustainability starts at the product design stage and carries through each phase of the product lifecycle. For every choice, it considers its impact on the planet, from selecting eco-friendly materials to reducing resource consumption. This approach, known as the lifecycle assessment, ensures that every aspect—from raw material sourcing to end-of-life treatment—is optimized for environmental efficiency. By examining everything through a sustainability lens, Nestlé minimizes its ecological footprint and sets a standard in responsible production.
According to Nestlé, its product designers are encouraged to “think green” from the start. This proactive attitude allows for thoughtful decisions, like selecting packaging that reduces waste while protecting products effectively. Since 1991, Nestlé has systematically reduced its packaging weight by over 500 million kilograms, an achievement that highlights how continuous, incremental change can lead to significant impact over time. “Each gram saved is a testament to our commitment to lessening our environmental burden,” Uwadoka explains.
As plastic waste continues to mount in Nigeria, companies like Nestlé are finding ways to tackle the issue. Recognizing that packaging plays a huge role in environmental impact, Nestlé has developed solutions to reduce, reuse, and recycle. By transitioning to recyclable or reusable materials, the company aims to make 100 per cent of its packaging globally recyclable by 2025—a target it is already over 80 per cent toward achieving in Nigeria.
Nestlé’s innovative switch from plastic to paper straws for its MILO Ready-To-Drink (RTD) packs was a game-changer in the Nigerian beverage industry. The Golden Morn breakfast cereal also exemplifies Nestlé’s approach to packaging innovation: its new, recyclable laminate packaging replaces aluminium foil, reducing environmental harm without compromising product quality. “This isn’t just about packaging; it’s about creating a culture of responsibility,” Uwadoka notes, underscoring the company’s goal to inspire broader change in the industry.
In addition to reducing packaging waste, Nestlé is committed to post-consumer waste management. Through partnerships with NGOs like the Africa Clean-Up Initiative (ACI), Nestlé Nigeria organises annual clean-ups across the country as part of its global volunteering initiative, Nestlé Cares. In 2023, over 400 volunteers from Nestlé Nigeria cleaned 12 markets nationwide, collecting more than 6,600 kilograms of waste. Equipped with waste bags, gloves, and tools, the volunteers worked with community members to beautify public spaces and raise awareness about waste reduction. “The mission is twofold: clean up and educate. A sustainable community requires both action and understanding,” Uwadoka posited.
This initiative not only removes waste but also promotes community engagement, creating an ethic of environmental stewardship. Nestlé understands that changing people’s behaviour is as important as the clean-up itself. As such, Nestlé invests in advocacy campaigns that encourage proper waste disposal and recycling, aiming to inspire a generation of environmentally conscious citizens.
Environmental sustainability goes beyond corporate practice; it is a mindset to be instilled in future generations. Through its Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) initiative, the company educates children on nutrition, hygiene, and sustainable living. Over 8,000 children have participated in these sessions, gaining insights on making healthy, environmentally sound choices. By involving young Nigerians, Nestlé is helping to create a future generation that values and prioritizes environmental health.
“We’re not just building a sustainable company; we’re shaping a sustainable society,” Uwadoka emphasizes. In 2023, Nestlé expanded N4HK to Lagos State, where 137 primary school students participated in sustainability training. By instilling environmental responsibility early, Nestlé aims to nurture young leaders who will drive positive change in their communities.
Nestlé Nigeria’s commitment to sustainability underscores a larger truth: environmental responsibility is no longer optional. It is the path to a truly greener future. For companies looking to remain relevant in a world where consumers value ethical choices, sustainability must be woven into the business fabric. Nestlé’s efforts in Nigeria illustrate how corporations can balance profit with purpose, offering a model for other companies to follow.
With ambitious goals like making all packaging recyclable by 2025 and initiatives like Nestlé Cares and N4HK, Nestlé Nigeria exemplifies how a well-rounded sustainability strategy can make a lasting difference.
“True sustainability isn’t just about what we produce—it’s about how we do it, how we educate others, and how we empower communities,” Uwadoka reflects. By integrating sustainability into every level of its operations, Nestlé shows that businesses can be agents of change, guiding society toward a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable (greener) future.
Eromosele, a corporate communication professional writes via: [email protected]
