Nestlé, a global food and beverage company, has announced that it will pilot Pléiades Neo satellites from Airbus to monitor its reforestation efforts. The new satellites will provide very high-resolution images, which Nestlé will use to ensure that the trees it has planted are thriving over the long term.
The move comes as part of Nestlé’s “forest positive” strategy, which was launched in 2021 with the aim of restoring forests and helping them thrive. The strategy is part of Nestlé’s broader commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.
In addition to supporting Nestlé’s sustainability efforts, the satellite monitoring strategy will help the company to promote sustainable livelihoods and human rights. Nestlé has committed to restoring and growing 200 million trees in its sourcing areas by 2030. To monitor deforestation in its palm oil supply chain, pulp and paper and cocoa supply chains, Nestlé has been using data from satellite-based service Starling. With the new announcement, the company will apply a similar approach to its forest restoration and regeneration initiatives.
The pilot project will be applied to Nestlé’s reforestation project in Southern Thailand, which has been ongoing since last year. Pléiades Neo satellites will monitor over 150,000 shade trees in farms where Nestlé sources its coffee. The company said that it will consider expanding the approach to other locations based on the experience gained from the pilot project.