For over 30 years, we have been seeking to embed sustainability into our everyday business. Since 2013, this has been called The Positive Cup – a strategy that remains at the heart of our business and that reinforces our conviction that coffee must be a force for good.

 

ACCELERATING IMPACT THROUGH THE POSITIVE CUP

 

  DECARBONISE THE VALUE CHAIN
  CONVICTION 
  WE BELIEVE THAT
A LOW-CARBON
ECONOMY IS
THE ONLY FUTURE 
 
  AMBITION 
  So we will reduce and remove
emissions throughout our value chain
even as we continue to grow
  GOAL 
  Net zero 
  IN ACCORDANCE WITH
 
  Logo Science Based Targets
 
  GOAL TIMING 
  By 2050
 
  OUR LEVERS OF ACTION 
  Decarbonisation of the Nespresso green coffee supply chain
  Innovation and renovation in products, systems and markets
  Optimisation of energy and logistics
  1. As per our SBTi 2023 submission. We are aiming to accelerate to achieve the target as early as 2035. Nespresso SBTi near-term and long-term targets were approved on May 1st, 2024.
  SDGs

 

  REGENERATE LANDSCAPES
  CONVICTION 
  WE BELIEVE THAT
NATURE IS OUR GREATEST
ALLY IN SECURING
THE FUTURE OF COFFEE 
 
  AMBITION 
  So we will scale up regenerative
agricultural practices to restore
landscapes and enhance
farmers' livelihoods
  GOAL 
  Source 95% of AAA coffee from farms with regenerative practices2
  IN COLLABORATION WITH
 
  Rainforest Alliance logo
 
  GOAL TIMING 
  By 2030 
 
  OUR LEVERS OF ACTION 
  Nature-based and renovation actions
  Agroforestry in and around coffee farms
  Landscape actions and biodiversity
  2. By 2030, we aim that 95% of our green coffee volume will be rated Bronze on the Rainforest Alliance ‘Regenerative Coffee Scorecard’, out of which 70% will be rated Gold.
  SDGs

 

  EMPOWER COMMUNITIES
  CONVICTION 
  WE BELIEVE THAT EVERY
FARM AND FARMER
IS UNIQUE AND NO ONE
SHOULD BE LEFT BEHIND
 
  AMBITION 
  So we will expand proven solutions
that build resilient communities
and transform livelihoods
  GOAL 
  All AAA smallholder farmers in Indonesia, Guatemala, Colombia,
Peru, and Mexico receive the Living
Income Reference Price3 
  IN COLLABORATION WITH
 
 
 
  GOAL TIMING 
  By 2030 
 
  OUR LEVERS OF ACTION 
  Human rights due diligence
  Improved access to social services
  Living income and risk protection
  3. On volumes sold to Nespresso, and in origins where the LIRP has been established by Fairtrade international and the majority of AAA coffee farmers are smallholders.
  SDGs

 

  ADVANCE CIRCULARITY
  CONVICTION 
  WE BELIEVE THAT
NO RESOURCE SHOULD
BE THROWN AWAY 
 
  AMBITION 
  So we will
do everything we can
to waste nothing
  GOAL4 
  60% global capsule
recycling rate 
   
  Nespresso capsule recycling icon
 
  GOAL TIMING 
  By 2030 
 
  OUR LEVERS OF ACTION 
  Innovation at every step
  Infrastructure at scale
  Inspiration for consumers
  4. Due to the decommissioning of Circulytics™ in 2023, we are currently evaluating the different frameworks available. In the interim, we will use our recycling rate goal.
  SDGs

 

  INSPIRE COLLECTIVE ACTION
  CONVICTION 
  WE BELIEVE THAT
COFFEE MUST BE
A FORCE FOR GOOD  
 
  AMBITION 
  So we will harness the strength
of our brand, people and
partnerships for positive impact
  GOAL 
  Renew B Corp™ certification
with a B Impact score ≥90 
  AS MEASURED BY
  Logo B Lab
 
  GOAL TIMING 
  By 2025 
 
  OUR LEVERS OF ACTION 
  Lead with purpose
  Respect and empower our people
  Inspire coffee lovers
   
  SDGs

 

Conviction: a strong belief that is not likely to change. Ambition: a strong wish to achieve something. Goal: an aim or a purpose. Milestone: a time when something must be achieved.

THE POSITIVE CUP
TOWARDS 2030

The Positive Cup Strategy towards 2030 introduces a new framework built upon our strategic priorities and convictions: values-based, fundamental beliefs that we hold as a company and that shape the way we act. Each conviction leads us to an ambition, with associated measurable goals and time-bound milestones. 

 

READ 2023 PROGRESS STATUS

DISCOVER OUR PROGRESS PER PILLAR:

button decarbonise the value chain button regenerate landscapes button empower communities button advance circularity button inspire collective action

DECARBONISE THE VALUE CHAIN

A PEAK
IS BEHIND US

With the 2021 peak of GHG emissions
behind us, we are driving emissions down
and embracing regenerative agriculture.

Aerial view of coffee farm

 

 

2023 STATUS

Chart Tonnes CO2eq emissions reduced vs BAU

TONNES CO2eq EMISSIONS REDUCED VS BAU8 IN 20239

2023 KEY ACHIEVEMENT

We submitted our targets for SBTi7 approval in 202310, joining a global movement of companies that are taking vital steps to deliver a net-zero economy and limit global warming to 1.5°C. 

Chart Our Path to Net Zero

In 2023, Nespresso greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under SBTi scope were close to 2018 baseline, partially compensating growth with GHG reductions. 
 

2023 PROGRESS
  • As per our SBTi 2023 submission10, Nespresso has committed to reach net zero emissions by 2050. We are aiming to accelerate to achieve the target by as early as 2035. We are internally committed to scout innovations and leverage suppliers' engagement to find pathways to accelerate progress and reach net-zero sooner.
  • A climate governance structure is in place to help us follow our pathway to SBTi's Corporate Net-Zero Standard10. We have adopted carbon (CO2eq) targets in executive bonuses for the second year in a row to create accountability for climate goals with a robust and actionable roadmap.
  • Per Near-Term SBTi targets, we are on track to reduce our absolute scope 3 FLAG (Forest, Land and Agricultures) emissions by -75% by 2030 from our 2018 baseline.
  • In 2023, Nespresso achieved an absolute reductions of 124 ktons CO2eq vs BAU8. The graph below shows the 2023 absolute CO2eq reductions from our portfolio of interventions.  

     

    Chart 2023 GHG reductions vs BAU

 

CASE STUDY

We continue to expand initiatives aimed at reducing GHG emissions while transitioning to regenerative agriculture.

We are piloting biochar and cover crop projects with partners in more than 20,000 AAA models farms across Brazil, Colombia and Costa Rica, allowing us to share experiences and encourage wider industry transformation.

Further actions include reducing the carbon (CO2eq) footprint emissions from our product range and switching boutiques to renewable energy.

 

2023 PERFORMANCE TABLE
DECARBONISE THE VALUE CHAIN1 SDG TARGETS2 GRI INDICATORS BUREAU VERITAS AUDITED IN 2023 2014–2023 (CUMULATIVE) 2023 2022 2021 BASELINE BASELINE DATE
Scope 1 GHG emissions (in ,000 tonnes CO2eq): direct GHG emissions from Nespresso-owned facilities 12.2, 12.4 305-1     7 8 9 7 2018
Scope 2 GHG emissions (in ,000 tonnes CO2eq): GHG emissions resulting from electricity production used in Nespresso-owned facilities 12.2, 12.4 305-2     13 14 14 13 2018
Scope 3 GHG emissions (in ,000 tonnes CO2eq): all other GHG emissions occurring upstream and downstream from Nespresso-owned facilities3 12.2, 12.4 305-3              
   Total (FLAG and non-FLAG)         1,464 1,552 1,694 1,322 2018
   Total FLAG         456
(456 in SBTi scope)
525
(525 in SBTi scope)
622
(622 in SBTi scope)
464
(464 in SBTi scope)
2018
   Total non-FLAG         1,009
(587 in SBTi scope)
1,027
(610 in SBTi scope)
1,072
(691 in SBTi scope)
857
(592 in SBTi scope)
2018
   Under SBTi scope         1,043 1,135 1,314 1,056 2018
Total annual GHG emissions (in ,000 tonnes CO2 eq) 12.2, 12.4                
   Total         1,484 1,573 1,717 1,342 2018
   Under SBTi scope         1,063 1,156 1,337 1,077 2018
   Exclusion         421 417 380 265 2018
Total annual GHG BAU (in ,000 tonnes CO2 eq)                  
   Total         1,608 1,681 1,773 1,342 2018
   Under SBTi scope         1,187 1,264 1,389 1,077 2018
GHG reductions against Business-As-Usual (BAU) (in ,000 tonnes CO2eq)4 12.2, 12.4       124 108 52 0 2018
Trees planted for carbon removals within AAA landscapes (in ,000) 15.1, 15.2, 15.3 201-2, 305-5 Yes 6,902 1,568 1,138      
Amount of carbon removals secured (in tonnes CO2eq) 12.2, 12.4     943,700 366,000 265,000 178,300 134,000 2020
AAA Program primary emission factor (kg of CO2eq per kg of green coffee)5 12.2, 12.4       4.76 3.9      
Total energy consumption in our three production centres (gigajoules per tonne of product) 7.3, 8.4, 12.2 302-1 Yes   3.41 3.36 3.35 3.76 2018
% of renewable electricity procured for our three production centres 7.2, 7.3, 8.4, 12.2 201-2, 302-1 Yes   100% 100% 100% 100% 2017
% of renewable energy consumed across production centre operations6 7.2, 7.3, 8.4, 12.2 201-2, 302-1 Yes   57% 56% 53% >50% 2017
Total on-site water withdrawal (m3 per tonne of product) 6.4, 8.4, 12.2, 12.4, 15.1 303-3 Yes   4.33 1.95 1.32 3.9 2018
1. GHG emissions including scope 1, 2, 3 and GHG reductions data have been revised for 2023 and previous years as per SBTi methodology.
2. Refers to the targets defined under the UN Sustainable Development Goals framework.
3. This includes all scopes 3 (coffee cultivation, land use change, all logistics, accessories and machines manufacturing, products end-of-life).
4. BAU level = what our emissions would be without climate projects.
5. The emission factor is comprised of two elements, emissions from cultivation (3.28), and land use change (1.48). For cultivation emissions, primary data from origins is used using Cool Farm Tool. For Land Use Change, World Food LCA Database datasets are used.
6. Refers to Nespresso production centres.

7. As per our SBTi 2023 submission. We are aiming to accelerate to achieve the target as early as 2035. Nespresso SBTi near term and long term targets were approved on May 1st, 2024.
8. BAU level = what our emissions would be without climate projects.
9. CO2eq against our 2023 BAU (Business-As-Usual) projections.
10. Nespresso SBTi application was done on Oct 2023 and near-term/ long-term targets were approved on May 1st, 2024.

 

REGENERATE LANDSCAPES

TEN YEARS OF OUR
AGROFORESTRY EFFORTS PROVE
THEIR POSITIVE IMPACT

Planting trees has shown to be an effective
regenerative practice for increasing bird biodiversity
on pilot AAA farms and surrounding landscapes.

Photo of a bird: longe tailed Manakin

© Guillermo Saborío Vega

 

2023 STATUS

Chart regenerative scorecard

% OF AAA COFFEE SOURCED FROM FARMS WITH REGENERATIVE PRACTICES

Towards our goal of 95%
by 2030. 

 

2023 KEY ACHIEVEMENT

9m

Trees planted by Nespresso and its partners in the
AAA Program landscape
(2014–2023)4.

2023 PROGRESS
  • In 2023, a third party assessment conducted by Enveritas estimates that 85% of our AAA green coffee is sourced from farms with regenerative practices, and would be equivalent to a Bronze level on the Regenerative Coffee Scorecard. It also estimates that 30% of AAA green coffee volume would reach the Gold level. These first estimates have not yet been verified by the Rainforest Alliance and will be confirmed over the course of the next reporting period, as the methodology is currently being refined.
  • Our main focus remains in identifying nature-based alternatives to pesticides and practices that support soil regeneration, leveraging the latest knowledge from our expert partners CABI, The Smithsonian Institute and EPAMIG in Brazil.
  • The local set of regenerative practices have been defined and endorsed by the Rainforest Alliance in Colombia and Costa Rica. It leverages Regenerative Agriculture for Low-carbon and Resilient Coffee Farms, a guidebook published by the Alliance of Biodiversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) in partnership with Nestlé.

 

CASE STUDY

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has assessed, in a large number of AAA coffee farms participating in the agroforestry programme, the benefits of native tree planting on biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration. The study reveals, for example, that in Colombia (Cauca region), the regenerative practice of agroforestry doubled the tree cover in participating AAA farms versus landscape status quo since 2001. The study also shows high correlation between tree cover age and bird population completeness, leveraging the BPI metrics developed by Cornell.

“ON AVERAGE, THE AAA FARMS UNDER AGROFORESTRY SINCE 2015 HAVE HIGHER AND MORE STABLE BIODIVERSITY COMPLETENESS THAN THE FARMS IN LATER PLANTING WAVES.”

 

VIVIANA RUIZ 
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR 
CENTER FOR AVIAN POPULATION STUDIES
CORNELL LAB OF ORNITHOLOGY

 

2023 PERFORMANCE TABLE
REGENERATE LANDSCAPES SDG TARGETS1 GRI INDICATORS BUREAU VERITAS AUDITED IN 2023 2014–2023 (CUMULATIVE) 2023 2022 2021 BASELINE BASELINE DATE
% of green coffee sourced through the AAA Program 2.4, 6.3, 6.4, 6.b, 8.3, 15.1, 15.3 308 Yes   94% 93% 92.5% 10% 2005
% of green coffee volume certified Rainforest Alliance  2.4, 6.3, 6.4, 6.b, 8.3, 15.1, 15.3 304, 304-3 Yes   43.4% 42.69% 41.24%    
% of AAA coffee sourced from farms with regenerative practices2 2.4, 6.3, 6.4, 6.b, 15.1, 15.3, 15.5 304     85% 76%     2002
Number of trees planted by Nespresso and its partners in AAA Program landscapes (in ,000)3 15.1, 15.2, 15.3 304-3  Yes 9,059  1,604 1,273   701   130  2014
Number of countries with agroforestry or reforestation programmes 2.4, 6.3, 6.4, 6.b, 15.1, 15.3, 15.5 201-2, 304-3     9 10 9 2 2014
Area managed under the AAA Program (in ,000 hectares) 2.4, 6.3, 6.4, 6.b, 15.1, 15.3, 15.5 304 Yes   333 346 >330 10 2009
Biodiversity priority areas with an action plan in place 15.1, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4, 15.5, 15.9 304-1     2 2      
Investment in climate actions (in ,000 CHF) 13.1, 13.2, 13.3, 15.2, 15.3 201-2, 302-2, 305 Yes 51,797 10,886 17,271 7,876 946 2014
1. Refers to the targets defined under the UN Sustainable Development Goals framework. 
2. % of AAA green coffee volume estimated at Bronze level on the ‘Regenerative Coffee Scorecard’ as per Enveritas third party verification.
3. 96,677 trees planted in our Zimbabwe and Ethiopia projects in 2022 had not previously been included in our figures. We have included these in the cumulative total for 2023, but have not adjusted the previously reported annual figures.

4. 96,677 trees planted in our Zimbabwe and Ethiopia projects in 2022 had not previously been included in our figures. We have included these in the cumulative total for 2023, but have not adjusted the previously reported annual figures.

 

EMPOWER COMMUNITIES

TWENTY YEARS OF THE
AAA PROGRAM UNDERSCORE
OUR DEDICATION TO THE FUTURE
OF COFFEE FARMERS

Nearly all our coffee purchases are at or above
Fairtrade Minimum Price7, and we drive systemic
solutions to maximise and protect farmer incomes.

Coffee farmer in Indonesia

 

 

2023 STATUS

Progress Chart Living Income Reference Price

LIVING INCOME
REFERENCE PRICE

Working towards scaling
the Living Income Reference Price (LIRP) with Fairtrade International in Colombia (Caldas). 

 

2023 KEY ACHIEVEMENT

98%

Of global coffee purchases
at or above Fairtrade Minimum Price7.

2023 PROGRESS
  • Despite AAA and certification premiums, farmer incomes can be adversely impacted by price volatility. One way to protect against this is through the Fairtrade Minimum Price. In 2023, a study conducted by FLOCERT has shown that 98% of the Nespresso green coffee purchases met the equivalent to the Fairtrade Minimum Price applicable in 2022 excluding the Fairtrade Premium.
  • The crop insurance programme with BlueMarble has reached nearly 9,000 farmers in Colombia and has distributed half a million USD in payout. We continue to design and deploy the public private model in five other countries8 and are looking to deploy in Peru in 2024.
  • The digitalisation of our coffee transactions is progressing, allowing for real-time monitoring of the farmgate price, which is a critical element to monitor the achievement of the LIRP. We have made progress in getting ready to pilot the Fairtrade LIRP in Colombia during the 2024 harvest, defining the operating model and principles in partnership with our supplier.
  • In 2023, Fair Labor Association assessments were completed in 14 countries and reflect the high standard of the AAA program in business ethics.

 

CASE STUDY

Nespresso AAA has been recognised by Global Coffee Platform (GCP) as Coffee Sustainability Reference (SR) Code equivalent – 2nd party assurance. The Coffee SR Code is a sector wide reference on the foundations of sustainability in economic, social and environmental dimensions for green coffee production and primary processing worldwide. 

“WE APPLAUD THE ACTION BY (THESE) GCP MEMBERS TO STEP UP AND ALIGN AS A SECTOR. THIS COMMITMENT TO THE USE OF A COMMON LANGUAGE AND THE INCREASING OPENNESS TO TRANSPARENCY IS A CRITICAL FEATURE TO UNDERSTANDING, ADVANCING AND ACCELERATING COFFEE SUSTAINABILITY TOGETHER.”

 

ANNETTE PENSEL 
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
GLOBAL COFFEE PLATFORM (GCP)

 

2023 PERFORMANCE TABLE
EMPOWER COMMUNITIES SDG TARGETS1 GRI INDICATORS BUREAU VERITAS AUDITED IN 2023 2014–2023 (CUMULATIVE) 2023 2022 2021 BASELINE BASELINE DATE
Number of countries with the AAA Program 2.4, 6.3, 6.4, 6.b, 8.3, 15.1, 15.3, 15.5 308, 308-2, 413-1 Yes   18 18 18 5 2005
Number of farmers enrolled in the AAA Program 2.4, 6.3, 6.4, 6.b, 8.3, 15.1, 15.3, 15.5 308, 308-2, 413, 413-1, 414 Yes   157,540 150,918 142,754 1,500 2005
Number of active clusters in the AAA Program 2.4, 6.3, 6.4, 6.b, 8.3, 15.1, 15.3, 15.5 413-1     51 51 51    
Number of farmers with access to financial resilience programmes (retirement savings plan, climate crop insurance, VSLA) 1.4, 2.3, 5.1, 8.3, 9.3 203-2, 413-1 Yes   20,851 17,584 9,463 0 2014
Number of AAA Program field staff, including agronomists2 2.4, 6.3, 6.4, 6.b, 8.3, 15.1, 15.3, 15.5 308 Yes   676 645 491 20 2005
% of AAA Program field staff positions held by women 5.5, 5.a 405-1 Yes   35.5% 35.2% 33% 0% 2005
% of coffee purchased through financial transactions traceable to farmers and cooperatives 8.5 203-2     87.4% 88.9% 82.4%   2021
% of green coffee certified by the Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade International or Fair Trade USA or organic 2.4, 6.3, 6.4, 6.b, 15.1, 15.3, 15.5 417-1 Yes   56.1% 51.6% 49.3% 36% 2014
% of green coffee certified Fairtrade International or Fair Trade USA 6.3, 6.4, 6.b, 8.3, 8.5, 8.7, 8.8, 15.3 417-1 Yes   11.7% 7.8% 7.3% 0% 2014
% of global coffee purchases at or above Fairtrade Minimum Price3 6.3, 6.4, 6.b, 8.3, 8.5, 8.7, 8.8, 15.3 417-1     98% N/A N/A 95% 2019
% AAA farmers known and named in the database   308-1, 414-1     100% 100% 100% 100% 2021
Number of countries with Reviving Origins programmes4 2.4, 6.3, 6.4, 6.b, 8.3, 15.1, 15.3, 15.5. 17.16 203-2     7 7 7    
Number of farmers benefitting from Reviving Origins programmes 2.4, 6.3, 6.4, 6.b, 8.3, 15.1, 15.3, 15.5, 17.16 203-2     21,834 11,551 11,748    
Number of field staff enrolled in the child rights capacity-building programme 8.7 408, 408-1     114 70 88    
Number of countries where Fair Labor Association assessment has been completed5 8.3, 8.5, 8.7, 8.8 401, 408, 408-1     14 10 1 1 2021
Number of individuals benefitting from access to clean and safe water6 6.1 303-1     38,191 12,671 8,569    
Investment in field programmes related to gender equality (in ,000 CHF) 5.5, 5.a 405     688 611 370    
Investment in coffee operations: technical assistance and AAA premiums (in ,000 CHF) 1.3, 1.5, 2.4, 6.3, 6.4, 6.b, 8.3, 15.1, 15.3, 15.5 Yes 407,119 43,400 47,361 45,579 33,393 2014
1. Refers to the targets defined under the UN Sustainable Development Goals framework.
2. ‘Field staff’ includes all staff working directly on the AAA Program, including agronomists, field technicians, project and support staff.
3. A study conducted by FLOCERT in 2023 has shown that 98% of the Nespresso green coffee purchases met the equivalent to the Fairtrade Minimum Price applicable in 2022 excluding Fairtrade Premium.
4. Our operations are currently on hold in several origins due to instability in the region.
5. Fair Labor Association assessment is an important stage in the overall FLA accreditation process.
6. This figure was previously recorded as ‘families’ rather than ‘individuals’. Data is now reported on an individual basis. 

7. A study conducted by FLOCERT in 2023 has shown that 98% of the Nespresso green coffee purchases met the equivalent to the Fairtrade Minimum Price applicable in 2022 (excluding Fairtrade Premium).
8. Indonesia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Guatemala and Honduras.

 

ADVANCE CIRCULARITY

WE ALWAYS PUSH TO FIND
WAYS FOR CONSUMERS TO
HAVE SUSTAINABLE OPTIONS

Our launch of the first home compostable collection
offers another sustainable choice to consumers:
composting paper-based capsules or
recycling aluminium capsules.

Recycling point in a Nespresso boutique

 

 

2023 STATUS

Chart Estimated Global Recycling Rate

ESTIMATED GLOBAL RECYCLING RATE

Making recycling as convenient as possible.
 

2023 KEY ACHIEVEMENT

14

Countries selling
or placing RELOVE
refurbished machines.

2023 PROGRESS
  • With a 93% estimated collection capacity14, consumers now have access to capsule recycling systems in 70 countries.
  • When possible, our aim is to transition to collective systems, allowing consumers to dispose of their used capsules in their usual recycling bin, together with other recyclable items.
  • In Belgium, all aluminium capsules can now be collected, sorted and recycled via the public collective scheme. As part of our partnership with ARCA, French markets will reach 75% coverage of the yellow bin by the end 2025. Both initiatives aim at reducing consumers efforts and allowing them to recycle aluminium coffee capsules more easily.
  • In 2023, Nespresso's global aluminium capsules recycling rate is estimated at 33%. We are aiming to reach a 60% global recycling rate by 2030 with more public collective waste infrastructures accepting capsules and continued communication efforts.
  • In Switzerland, we reached a 72% recycling rate in 2023. In Taiwan, Luxemburg, Hungary, South Korea and Colombia, we reached a 50% recycling rate in 2023.

 

CASE STUDIES

In 2023, our RELOVE machine refurbishment programme was launched into four new markets, taking us to 14 in total. This will allow us to expand the programme with the goal of RELOVE products accounting for 30% of all machine sales by 2030.

Machine circularity is now used to varying degrees in 11 out of 18 of our home-use machine models. Our most distributed machine, the VERTUO NEXT is made using 50% recycled plastic. Moving forward, all new machines will contain recycled materials as part of the design and include an eco-score. We will maximise the use of recycled plastics where feasible.

In 2023, Nespresso piloted the Home Compostable Collection for Original Line capsules in France and Switzerland. We are now preparing to roll out to several more countries in 2024.

 

2023 PERFORMANCE TABLE
ADVANCE CIRCULARITY SDG TARGETS1 GRI INDICATORS BUREAU VERITAS AUDITED IN 2023 2014–2023 (CUMULATIVE) 2023 2022 2021 BASELINE BASELINE DATE
Number of countries with capsule recycling systems2 8.4, 12.2, 12.4, 12.5 306-2, 306-4 Yes   70 74 70 1 1991
Estimated capsule collection capacity (%)3 8.4, 12.2, 12.4, 12.5 306-2 Yes   93% 94% 88% 24% 2009
Estimated global recycling rate (%)2, 4 8.4, 12.2, 12.4, 12.5 306-2, 306-4 Yes   33% 32% 28% 15% 2009
Used capsule valorisation rate (%)5 8.4, 12.2, 12.4, 12.5 306-2  Yes   60% 63% 55%   2016
RELOVE Machine – Refurbished machine: Proportion (%) of refurbished machines sold or placed in Nespresso channels6 8.4, 12.2, 12.4, 12.5 306-2     2% <1% N/A    
Number of countries selling or placing RELOVE refurbished machines 8.4, 12.2, 12.4, 12.5 306-2     14 10 3 3 2021
Number of countries selling Nespresso Home Compostable capsules7 8.4, 12.2, 12.4, 12.5   Yes   2     2 2023
Number of coffees in Nespresso Home Compostable collection7 8.4, 12.2, 12.4, 12.5       5     5 2023
% of machine models8 with an Ecoscore energy rating of A or higher 8.4, 12.2, 12.4, 12.5 302-4     100% 100% 100%    
% of machine models8 with an Ecoscore energy rating of A++ or higher 8.4, 12.2, 12.4, 12.5 302-4     17%     17% 2023
% of Nespresso machine8 models9 with recycled packaging10 8.4, 12.2, 12.4, 12.5 306-2     66% 60% 29%    
% of machine8 models9 using recycled plastics 8.4, 12.2, 12.4, 12.5 306-2 Yes   61% 60% 47%    
% of recycled material in accessory collection11 packaging12 8.4, 12.2, 12.4, 12.5 306-2     93% N/A N/A   2023
Nespresso Original Line made using 80% recycled aluminium 8.4, 12.2, 12.4, 12.5 306-2     100% 100% 100%    
Nespresso Vertuo Line made using 85% recycled aluminium 8.4, 12.2, 12.4, 12.5 306-2     94% 90% 88%    
Total weight of waste generated in manufacturing (metric tonnes) 8.4, 12.2, 12.4, 12.5 306-3 Yes   7,826 8,603 8,763    
Breakdown: Hazardous waste in manufacturing (weight of waste generated in metric tonnes) 3.9, 6.3, 12.4 306-3 Yes   13.09 13.82 5    
Breakdown: Non-hazardous waste in manufacturing (weight of waste generated in metric tonnes) 8.4, 12.2, 12.4, 12.5 306-3 Yes   7,813 8,589 8,758    
Investment in collection capacity and recycling systems (in ,000 CHF)2, 13 8.4, 12.2, 12.4, 12.5 306 Yes 474,118 81,817 78,680 70,796 16,678 2014
1. Refers to the targets defined under the UN Sustainable Development Goals framework.
2. Methodology was changed to get a more accurate view of our recycling rate, the baseline figures are not comparable to subsequent years' annual figures.
3. Globally, 93% of Nespresso capsules are bought by household consumers who have access to a convenient recycling option.
4. In dedicated and collective systems.
5. Capsules are either recycled or incinerated for heat recovery.
6. Sold machines only in Direct Channels (sales and after sales).
7. TÜV certification.
8. Home-use machines (18 models).
9. Of 18 models in the total range.
10. Packaging is 99% recycled paper.
11. This KPI refers only to the permanent accessory collections (13 collections).
12. Packaging materials include 98.7% paper and 1.3% plastic wrappers (calculation based on weight).
13. Includes investment in technology. 

14. Globally, 93% of Nespresso capsules are bought by household consumers who have access to a convenient recycling option.

 

INSPIRE COLLECTIVE ACTION

WE ARE RECOGNISED FOR
THE ACTIVE ROLE AND ACTIONS
WE TAKE FOR THE INDUSTRY

But we know we do not do it alone. We continue
to work collectively as a purpose-driven B Corp™
company to make coffee a force for good.

Certified B Corporation mark on a window

 

 

2023 STATUS

Progress Chart Circulytics

B CORP™

B Impact Score achieved in 2022, progress towards our recertification goal of ≥90 points in 2025. 
 

2023 KEY ACHIEVEMENT

CHF 1bn

Investment in
The Positive Cup
(cumulative 2014–2023).

2023 PROGRESS
  • Our investment in the Positive Cup reflects our ambition to lead on the sustainability agenda. In 2023, we achieved our milestone of CHF 1 billion invested in The Positive Cup initiatives since 2014, two years ahead of schedule.
  • In 2023, Nespresso was awarded Gold status by EcoVadis.
  • We were also listed by Interbrand as one the 100 most valuable brands in the world. The recognition reflects our commitment to bring the ultimate coffee experience to our customers thanks to our high-quality coffee.
  • We continue to grow our sustainability community across the company, preparing for B Corp™ recertification in 2025. 
CASE STUDY

We are leveraging the strength of our brand, our communities and our business to create a sustainable future for coffee – one that promotes inclusive growth for all stakeholders and inspires collective action.

Our suppliers, partners and consumers are critical to reach our sustainability milestones.

For the last 10 years, the Nespresso Sustainability Advisory Board (NSAB) has been supporting our ambition to be a sustainability leader in the coffee sector.

 

2023 PERFORMANCE TABLE
INSPIRE COLLECTIVE ACTION SDG TARGETS1 GRI INDICATORS BUREAU VERITAS AUDITED IN 2023 2014–2023 (CUMULATIVE) 2023 2022 2021 BASELINE BASELINE DATE
B Impact Score 12.6       84.3   84.3 points 2022
Investment in The Positive Cup (in ,000 CHF)2 1.3, 1.5, 2.4, 6.3, 6.4, 6.b, 8.3, 15.1, 15.3, 15.5 201, 308 Yes 1,030,465 151,330 158,592 135,566 59,678 2014
Investment in engagement and governance (in ,000 CHF) 12.8 Yes 97,432 15,227 14,996 11,315 8,661 2014
Partnership for Central America: Northern Triangle programme investment (,000 CHF) 8.3, 8.5     142,600  45,800   55,600   41,200  41,200 2021
Members of the Nespresso Sustainability Advisory Board (NSAB) 2.4, 12.8, 12.a 2-14 Yes   20 21 17   2013
Nespresso employee sustainability champions around the world 2.4, 12.8, 12.a Yes   211 98 86   2020
Full-time employees on the sustainability team at Nespresso HQ and in AAA regions 2.4, 12.8, 12.a     26 26 26    
Number of countries where we operate   2-1     93 83 81 4 2003
Number of boutiques worldwide    2-1     791 791 804 1 2000
Number of production centres   2-1     3 3 3 1 1986
Number of permanent coffees in the range       92 91 85 4 1986
Number of employees worldwide (excluding agents' employees)   2-7     14,428 14,004 14,031 330 2003
% of women employees 5.5, 10.2 405-1     56% 57% 57%   2019
% workforce under 30 years of age 8.5, 10.2 405-1     33% 33% 33%    
Number of nationalities at Nespresso globally 10.2     116 120 113 113 2021
Recordable injury rate for total Nespresso and contractor workforce (per million hours worked) 1.3, 8.8 403-9     1.16 1.39 1.9 7.9 2014
1. Refers to the targets defined under the UN Sustainable Development Goals framework.
2. The Positive Cup includes AAA Program and farmer premiums, climate actions, recycling and stakeholder engagement. Investments: 2016 report and baseline restated based on adjustments of financial assumptions (e.g. exchange rate).

 

Legend goal journey for charts    Legend on-track record for charts

Data source: The Positive Cup 2023 Progress

IN DETAIL: REVIEW ALL OUR SUSTAINABILTY REPORTS

Explore each of our sustainability reports in detail, from the latest progress update, to our first comprehensive Creating Shared Value Report, developed in accordance with the GRI’s G4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines.

 

Read The Positive Cup: 2023 Progress

Nespresso The Positive Cup 2022 Progress Report

Nespresso The Positive Cup 2021 Progress Report Towards 2030

Nespresso The Positive Cup 2014-2020 Achievements Report

Nespresso The Positive Cup 2014-2020 Achievement Infographic

Nespresso The Positive Cup 2019 Progress Report

Nespresso The Positive Cup 2018 Progress Report

Nespresso The Positive Cup 2016 Progress Report Towards 2020

 

Article updated in: July 2024.