Nestlé, one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies, has withdrawn from the Dairy Methane Action Alliance, a global pact aimed at reducing methane pollution from dairy production. The alliance, launched in December 2023, brought together companies such as Danone, Kraft Heinz, and Starbucks to measure and publish methane pollution from their dairy supply chains and outline plans for reduction. Nestlé’s decision to quit the alliance has raised concerns about the effectiveness of voluntary corporate climate coalitions and the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, nearly 30 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere. Agriculture is responsible for about 40% of human-caused methane, mostly from livestock, and reducing this pollution is considered one of the fastest ways to slow global temperature rise. Nestlé’s withdrawal from the alliance could weaken international efforts to tackle methane pollution, which is a critical step in addressing climate change.
Despite its withdrawal from the alliance, Nestlé claims to be committed to cutting pollution in its supply chains and achieving net zero by 2050. The company has reported a 21% reduction in methane pollution since 2018 and has announced a new partnership with the World Farmers’ Organisation to support resilience in food systems. However, critics argue that Nestlé’s decision to quit the alliance could be seen as a form of greenwashing, where companies highlight limited environmental progress while backing away from more binding commitments.
The withdrawal of Nestlé from the alliance is not an isolated incident, as other companies have also recently withdrawn from similar voluntary climate coalitions. This has raised questions about the effectiveness of these alliances and the willingness of companies to make meaningful commitments to reduce their environmental impact. Experts stress the importance of government regulations that require measurement and disclosure of pollution, rather than relying solely on voluntary industry pledges. Supporting companies that remain committed to reducing pollution and promoting transparency and accountability can help encourage other companies to follow suit.