Nestlé UK - Case study: Water efficiency

Since 1997, Nestlé globally has more than doubled its food production, but increased efficiency has seen water consumption decrease by 29%.

Globally, Nestlé is committed to reducing the amount of water used per kilo of food and beverage products produced, ensuring that water discharged into the environment is clean, and respecting local water resources and promoting water conservation and access.

Nestlé in the UK and Ireland has a target to reduce water usage by 10% by 2010 against a 2006 baseline.

Water usage is reducing year-on-year and in 2008, water consumption in Nestlé factories fell 8% per tonne of product, compared to 2007.

Savings are also being made in Nestlé's offices and administrative buildings, with water saving initiatives at the head office in East Croydon contributing to the company being awarded the Silver Envibe Award from Croydon Council.

Buxton Water has reduced the water used in its bottling processes by more than 50% in the last three years.

When making NESCAFÉ Cappuccino, a by-product of water, milk components and vegetable oils is generated. Nestlé invested £845,000 in its Dalston factory to install an advanced waste water treatment plant to produce clean waste water, with the resulting by-product being used as fertiliser by local farmers.

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Last reviewed: 22 Dec 2009