Nestlé Publishes Water Management Report

Published 03-15-07

Submitted by Nestlé S.A.

Nestlé announced today the publication of The Nestlé Water Management Report, a comprehensive review of Nestlé's thinking and practical initiatives regarding the sustainable use and protection of water resources worldwide. The report can be found online at www.nestle.com/water.

Nestlé is the world’s largest food and drink manufacturer. Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, Chairman and CEO said, "Nestlé invests to improve the situation because water availability "“ both quantity and quality "“ touches our business in a number of ways. First, our suppliers of agricultural raw materials depend on water; and secondly we as industrialists need water for manufacturing. Therefore, it is in our vital interest to limit consumption and waste of the resource."

The report demonstrates how Nestlé is focused on four key areas that will make a significant impact improving water management:

Leveraging areas of direct control over Nestlé’s manufacturing operations

Educating stakeholders about water as a healthy beverage; and sensitising consumers about water

Encouraging farmers to promote good water management and bringing clean water to communities

Scaling up and engaging: offering Nestlé experience in the global water management arena

Throughout the report there are many examples of best practice and innovation.

Continuous improvement of water efficiency and reduction of waste in all operations i.e. while Nestlé production volume has almost doubled in the past decade, the amount of water used has reduced by 29%

Ensuring commitment to preserving natural resources and minimising waste through the Nestlé Environment Management System (NEMS), which defines and monitors strict criteria for compliance for all Nestlé factories worldwide

Promoting awareness, appreciation, knowledge and stewardship of water resources via the Water Education for Teachers (WET) organisation which has trained over 400 000 teachers in over 20 countries.

Proactively addressing water scarcity issues through the use of trained agronomists

Development of Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Nestlé (SAIN) with water a central contribution area to optimise the supply chain "from farm to factory"

Engagement with organisations such as International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to improve the state of water management throughout the world

The report has been prepared with the help of international experts and stakeholders, such as Prof. Ismail Serageldin, Founding Chair of the Global Water Partnership and founding governor of the World Water Council, who have shared their opinions and helped Nestlé understand how to further improve direct and indirect management of water worldwide. The report also summarises Nestlé’s progress with respect to the United Nations Global Compact’s environment-related principles.

Nestlé would welcome your thoughts and feedback on the report and the issue of water management. Please go to the Nestlé website to download a copy www.nestle.com/water.

Nestlé Publishes Water Management Report

Nestlé Publishes Water Management Report

Nestlé S.A.

Nestlé S.A.

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