Nestlé expands satellite monitoring in palm oil supply chain

Nestlé Deutschland AG is strengthening its efforts to combat deforestation within its supply chains, aiming to fully achieve its 2020 commitment. The company is rolling out Starling, a satellite-based monitoring system designed to cover its entire global palm oil supply chain. This initiative positions Nestlé as the first global food company to adopt such comprehensive satellite tracking.

Deforestation is a significant and complex global challenge that necessitates industry-wide collaboration for effective solutions. Starling, developed by Airbus in partnership with The Forest Trust (TFT), serves as a global verification system to confirm the absence of deforestation within supply chains. Nestlé has pledged to ensure none of its products are linked to deforestation by 2020.

As of 2017, 63% of Nestlé's global supply chain has been verified as deforestation-free. By May 2019, Nestlé committed to sourcing 100% RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil by 2023. Furthermore, by December 2018, the company planned for its entire palm oil supply chain, regardless of certification status, to be monitored for deforestation using satellite imagery.

The Starling service employs high-resolution radar and optical satellite imagery, enabling year-round monitoring of land-use changes and forest disturbances. This technology allows companies to manage risks and implement on-the-ground interventions to drive positive change. Nestlé also stated its intention to disclose the names of its direct palm oil suppliers and mills, increasing transparency.