Swiss transnational Nestlé has topped the sustainability category in a Dow Jones Sustainability Index that measures the performance of the largest global companies, rating them on economic, environmental and social impacts. 

Increasing the share of renewable energy by using solar panels, spent coffee grounds or wood chips to power its factories is just one example of many initiatives that helped Nestlé become number one in the food products category in the 2017 Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI).

The DJSI is a globally recognized independent benchmark. It is the first global index to track the leading sustainability-driven companies based on RobecoSAM’s analysis of financially material Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors.

It measures the performance of the largest 2,500 global companies across three dimensions: economic, environmental and social.

With a total score of 89 out of 100, Nestlé is the industry leader in the food products sector. The company received industry-best scores in the economic and environmental dimension.

Nestlé strives for zero environmental impact in its operations. Most recently, the company has opened a new manufacturing unit at its Montes Claros Factory in Brazil with neutral environmental impact on three dimensions: water, waste for disposal and carbon emission.

As the worlds largest food and beverages company, Nestlé says it can shape sustainable consumption and steward resources for future generations. 

“We focus our efforts on reducing water use across our operations, using sustainably managed and renewable resources and working towards our goal of zero waste,” it says. 

The index recognized Nestlé’s leading performance in innovation and health and nutrition as part of the economic dimension.