Nespresso and DHL: Driving sustainable impact through purpose-led collaboration across the supply chain

It is more important than ever to invest in agricultural practices that make a positive impact and create environmental, social and economic gains for the entire chain, from coffee farmer to consumer. This way we can continue to enjoy good coffee in the future. This idea has been a part of Nespresso for many years. To this end, we work closely with our partners and make clear agreements about this.

We look at the entire chain and try to work together with everyone, from competitor to supplier and waste processor. For example, together with nine other coffee companies, we have set up Coffee Capsule Recycling Netherlands (KCR). This association is building a national recycling system together with waste processors. We remove capsules from the residual waste and recycle them. Of course, it is sometimes a challenge to do this together with competitors, but something like that only works if you combine strengths and knowledge. Ultimately, we all want capsules to be reused at the end of the day.

We are also intrinsically motivated to make the chain future-proof, so that e-commerce remains accessible for generations to come. For example, we are a leader in electric transport and now all customers automatically participate in our standard GoGreen program. This will result in a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions. With this standard GoGreen program, we promise customers that we will always deliver their packages to consumers electrically or with fossil-free fuel in the last mile. In response to the wishes of customers such as Nespresso, who look at the entire chain and want to reduce their climate impact even faster, we have developed GoGreen Plus. Through GoGreen Plus, DHL is investing extra in HVO100 diesel together with shipping partners, which contributes to fossil-free kilometers in the total network. This program can demonstrably reduce customer-specific emissions by up to 85% within scope 3, the category of indirect CO2 emissions from a company’s value chain,

We are also intrinsically motivated to make the chain future-proof, so that e-commerce remains accessible for generations to come. For example, we are a leader in electric transport and now all customers automatically participate in our standard GoGreen program. This will result in a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions. With this standard GoGreen program, we promise customers that we will always deliver their packages to consumers electrically or with fossil-free fuel in the last mile. In response to the wishes of customers such as Nespresso, who look at the entire chain and want to reduce their climate impact even faster, we have developed GoGreen Plus. Through GoGreen Plus, DHL is investing extra in HVO100 diesel together with shipping partners, which contributes to fossil-free kilometers in the total network. This program can demonstrably reduce customer-specific emissions by up to 85% within scope 3, the category of indirect CO2 emissions from a company’s value chain,

You sometimes hear that the big companies, such as Nespresso and DHL, have an easy time talking because they are financially powerful. But every company, large or small, can always do something. The trick is to put your energy sources on a chessboard, so to speak, and to scrutinize every emission of them, with a corresponding timeline and budget. Sometimes it’s a small step and other times it’s a big step. A lot is happening when it comes to technology, legislation and customer questions. Then it is important to keep the focus focused. You can only make the right choices if you really know where the emissions are and whether there are techniques available with which you can effectively reduce those emissions. In addition, the long term is exciting for everyone, but that also offers opportunities. For an emission-free fleet, you first have to invest heavily in charging infrastructure, then purchase cars and only then can you demonstrate CO2 reduction in reports. Start with the basics and see what is already possible.

In every company there is sometimes a discussion about what the money should be spent on. It is then valuable to see what the chain looks like and what you can influence. What you can do together in the total chain makes the difference. It helps if you can celebrate small and big successes. The trend in the retail landscape is that awareness is shifting compared to five or ten years ago. This is done in all kinds of areas, including logistics.

Even though the consumer is not always easy to gauge. The masses still think linearly, not circular. We now see that large companies are becoming more sustainable, followed by the masses, who as a result, for example, see fewer future-proof options disappear from the range. For example, with their initiatives, such as the collaboration between Nespresso and DHL eCommerce, companies encourage other links in the chain to become more sustainable in various areas. Together, we keep an eye on the task we face as a society: future-proofing.