And suddenly it's food or no food: Nestlé food or no food
This article and the research into it will be exciting. For medical reasons, I am no longer dependent on receiving my tube feeds by bolus (syringe), but via the PEG pump. My previous tube feed, restoric® supportiv S Vegan from Vitasy, which I have been very happy with for years, is unfortunately not suitable for use with a pump. A replacement is needed. Requirement: vegan, soya-free, high-calorie and suitable for exclusive nutrition.
The problem is that my medicine supplier only has one suitable product and it's from Nestlé of all companies. What I think of Nestlé, well, I've often written about it between the lines and also very directly.
Let's dive into this complex topic with an overview of what I have researched and published on the subject of Nestlé so far.
Opinion poll on Nestlé
The opinions about Nestlé from my publications are clearly critical and multi-layered. The points of criticism are spread across various problem areas, from environmental and climate impacts to the exploitation of natural resources, animal testing and greenwashing. The most important aspects are summarised here.
Habitat destruction and species extinction
Nestlé is at the centre of the global palm oil problem. The company processes around 320,000 tonnes of palm oil every year1 Rainforest in Canada 🌐 https://paddys.de/regenwald-in-kanada/ - one of the main causes of the massive destruction of the rainforests in South-East Asia. As a result, unique ecosystems and numerous animal species, such as orangutans, are being irretrievably lost. The promises of "sustainable sourcing" have repeatedly not been kept and greenwashing is the rule rather than the exception2 Nestlé and the extinction of species 🌐 https://paddys.de/nestle-und-das-artensterben/ 3 The second act of helping the forest 🌐 https://paddys.de/des-wald-helfens-zweiter-akt/ .
The extent to which our consumption threatens global biodiversity is often underestimated - illustrated very clearly by the example of Nestlé and the mass utilisation of palm oil4 Nestlé and the extinction of species 🌐 https://paddys.de/nestle-und-das-artensterben/ .
Resource exploitation and water conflicts
Nestlé operates a highly controversial business with groundwater and drinking water. One striking example is the French town of Vittel, where Nestlé pumps out millions of litres every day while the groundwater no longer regenerates quickly enough. The profits flow, but the local inhabitants bear the burden of pollution and scarcity5 Nestlé and water in plastic bottles 🌐 https://paddys.de/nestle-und-das-wasser-und-das-plastik/ 6 The first act of helping the forest 🌐 https://paddys.de/des-wald-helfens-erster-akt/ .
This business model extends to many countries, including regions with an already critical supply situation. The profits from the sale of water brands are disproportionate to the environmental and social costs7 Veganise my life: Nestlé 🌐 https://paddys.de/veganisier-mein-leben-nestle/ .
Plastic waste and environmental pollution
With brands such as Vittel, Perrier and San Pellegrino, Nestlé is one of the world's largest producers of disposable plastic bottles. The ecological impact of plastic waste is enormous, and measures to avoid waste (e.g. reusable or robust recycling) are largely absent8 Nestlé and water in plastic bottles 🌐 https://paddys.de/nestle-und-das-wasser-und-das-plastik/ .
Greenwashing and lack of consequences
Nestlé is a prime example of "greenwashing": the company's own standards are not adhered to, and membership of voluntary sustainability initiatives serves more to cultivate its image than to bring about actual change9 Nestlé and animal testing - the promises and the reality 🌐 https://paddys.de/nestle-und-die-versprechen-und-die-realitaet/ .
The Dow Jones Sustainability Index lists Nestlé as exemplary, but this is exposed as a fundamental farce. Crucial criteria are not independently verified. Self-commitments are of little use, as Thomas Day from the New Climate Institute confirms - they tend to mislead consumers and authorities10 Nestlé and animal testing - the promises and the reality 🌐 https://paddys.de/nestle-und-die-versprechen-und-die-realitaet/ .
Animal testing and ethically questionable practices
Nestlé is repeatedly associated with cruel animal experiments - for example for marketing purposes with food supplements and "Botox" preparations. Alternatives are rarely used and, of course, the company claims outwardly that it does not carry out such experiments11 Nestlé and animal testing - the promises and the reality 🌐 https://paddys.de/nestle-und-die-versprechen-und-die-realitaet/ .
Inscrutable corporate structures & brand power
Nestlé has a huge brand portfolio12 Rainforest in Canada 🌐 https://paddys.de/regenwald-in-kanada/ which extends far beyond food (including fashion, beverage brands and pet food). The actual ownership structure is difficult for consumers to understand - which makes it difficult to consciously avoid consumption or attribute responsibility13 Veganise my life: Nestlé 🌐 https://paddys.de/veganisier-mein-leben-nestle/
Personal rejection and moral dilemma
Despite medical necessity and a lack of alternatives, the use of Nestlé products is a difficult decision. The detailed discussion with the company illustrates the extent to which personal conscience and the desire for consistent self-determination are in conflict with reality14 Veganise my life: Nestlé 🌐 https://paddys.de/veganisier-mein-leben-nestle/ .
My publications paint a picture of a multinational corporation that systematically undermines environmental and social standards and whose voluntary commitments and advertising promises usually turn out to be cosmetic and inconsequential. Nestlé's economic market power makes it difficult for many people to find alternatives or avoid consumption, which leads to a moral dilemma, especially in a medically necessary context like mine. Even with good research and a critical attitude, as a consumer you are controlled by others as soon as there are no alternatives. And that's exactly what it looks like.
You'll soon find out how the story continues here:
