Nestlé nurtures nature: 2.5 million trees planted

Nestlé Malaysia attains a pivotal milestone in environmental stewardship by planting 2.5 million trees through its Project RELeaf reforestation programme.

This accomplishment solidifies Nestlé’s role as a key contributor to Malaysia’s ecological revitalisation under the ‘Penghijauan Malaysia‘ campaign, targeting 100 million trees by 2025.

Sustainable commitment and achievements

With the successful planting of 1.5 million trees under Project RELeaf, complementing the previous 1 million trees from Project RiLeaf in 2020, Nestlé Malaysia reaches a total of 2.5 million trees.

The company aims to plant an additional 1.5 million trees by the first half of 2025, achieving a total of 4 million trees, with 3 million planted since the end of lockdowns in 2021.

Juan Aranols, CEO of Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad, emphasizes the company’s commitment, stating, “Our reforestation programmes reflect our long-term commitment to help Malaysia restore its precious ecosystems.”

“As an example, our Farmer Connect programmes continue to support hundreds of rural families engaged in the production of chili, rice and coffee in Kedah and Kelantan.

We coach them on sustainable practices such as regenerative agriculture which protect the nutrients in the soil and also help to increase their yields,” he added.

Nestlé reforestation initiatives and impact

Nestlé Malaysia commenced its reforestation journey with Project RiLeaf, planting 1 million trees in the ecologically crucial Kinabatangan Wetlands of Sabah from 2011 to 2020.

This initiative focused on creating harmonious landscapes where people, nature, and agriculture coexist, fostering water sustainability.

Following Project RiLeaf’s success, Project RELeaf began in 2020, aiming to plant 3 million indigenous forest seedlings by 2023.

The timeline extended to 2025 due to COVID-related lockdowns. Project RELeaf expands its footprint to Peninsular Malaysia, creating wildlife corridors and restoring riparian buffer zones to combat water contamination.

Aranols expresses Nestlé Malaysia’s dedication to positive change, not only through environmental initiatives but also through Farmer Connect programmes supporting rural families.

Project RELeaf emerges as a catalyst for transformation in local communities, engaging over 300 members, including Orang Asli communities.

Nestlé Malaysia’s inclusive approach positively impacts communities, creating job opportunities and improving livelihoods.