Foodservice Footprint P5 Nestlé uses ‘eyes in the sky’ to police palm oil Foodservice News and Information Out of Home sector news  news-email

Nestlé uses ‘eyes in the sky’ to police palm oil

Nestlé is pioneering the use of satellite imagery developed by the aerospace industry to ensure that 100% of its global palm oil supply chains are deforestation-free.

The company has implemented the Starling system, which uses the satellites of space industry giant Airbus to ensure that no deforestation is taking place.

Nestlé said the move would help accelerate progress towards its commitment that all of its products globally will not be associated with deforestation by 2020. By 2017, 63% of Nestlé’s global supply chain was deforestation-free.

Traditional monitoring of zero-deforestation commitments relies on ground-based audits, but these are limited in their capacity to access remote areas, see the overall picture and to regularly assess the situation.

Starling uses cutting-edge technology combining high-resolution radar and optical satellite imagery to provide year-round monitoring of land cover changes and forest cover disturbances. Data collected along with its analytics enables companies to manage risks and perform field intervention strategies to drive changes.

By December 2018, 100% of Nestlé’s palm oil supply chain will be monitored for deforestation using satellite imagery. It has also committed to achieve 100% RSPO certified sustainable palm oil by 2023.

“Our ‘eyes in the sky’ will monitor our palm oil supply chain 24/7, regardless of their certification status. This will enable us to further disclose publicly what we find, where we choose to suspend non-compliant suppliers, and where we choose to engage and improve the situation,” said Benjamin Ware, global head of responsible sourcing for Nestlé.