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As a further step in its commitment to fight the major issue of deforestation, Nestlé has entered into a partnership with The Forest Trust (TFT). TFT, a global non–profit organisation, will help Nestlé to build responsible supply chains by identifying and addressing embedded social and environmental issues. Nestlé is the first global consumer goods company to become a TFT member.

The partnership starts with palm oil, and Nestlé is studying its supply chains to determine a similarly ambitious target for the pulp and paper it uses. Together with TFT, Nestlé has defined the Responsible Sourcing Guidelines, a set of critical requirements to guide the Nestlé procurement process and to ensure compliance with the Nestlé Supplier Code. The partnership will focus on assessing suppliers’ performance with respect to these guidelines and on providing technical support to those who currently do not meet the requirements, but who are committed to achieving sustainability.

To implement the Responsible Sourcing Guidelines, Nestlé and TFT will work together on a variety of areas. The Responsible Sourcing guidelines are enforced with immediate effect. TFT’s work with Nestlé has already begun and Nestlé will continue to communicate on its progress.