Nestle PH: First large-scale user of 100% renewable electricity in Mindanao

Nestlé Philippines, Inc. (NPI) has achieved another milestone in its roadmap towards net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with the full transition of its Cagayan de Oro (CDO) factory to renewable electricity, and becomes the first customer under the Green Energy Option to use 100 percent renewable electricity in Mindanao.

A signing ceremony was held on Aug. 22, 2023 among NPI, Mindanao Electric Systems (MINERGY), and Cagayan Electric Power and Light Company (CEPALCO), signifying the popular Nestlé brands like NESCAFÉ, Coffee Mate, Bear Brand, Milo, and Maggi will now be made at the factory using renewable electricity.

“One focus area of our net zero commitments is to transform our operations to reduce our carbon footprint. With that, a priority task for us has been to fully convert our electricity power source to renewable electricity. Today, we are happy to complete that task with our Cagayan de Oro Factory to renewable electricity,” said NPI chairman and CEO Kais Marzouki. He noted that the company’s full transition to full renewable electricity, starting with its Luzon facilities in 2016, was once considered too ambitious.

“But it has been completed two years early, because of the dedication and perseverance of our Nestlé Philippines team, with the indispensable support and participation of our partners, especially the Department of Energy, the Cagayan de Oro City government, and those of you in the private sector. This milestone is equally yours, because you have made it possible,” he remarked.

Department of Energy Secretary, Raphael Lotilla, shared his enthusiasm through a special message delivered by ASec. Mylene Capongcol during the milestone event. 

“We at the Department of Energy are honored to be part of this milestone -- Nestle Philippines’ transition toward 100 percent renewable energy and we are glad to witness the contract signing  between Nestle Philippines and CEPALCO for power supply procurement using renewable energy,” said Lotilla. “The government will continue to lay the groundwork for a clean energy transition, which will pave the way for the private sector, companies, and businesses, like Nestle Philippines, to establish and achieve their net zero targets.”

Also at the ceremony, Marzouki stressed that NPI is determined to fulfill its net zero commitments in striving to make a difference for the environment as the Kasambuhay for Good of Filipinos. The company looks forward to continuing the work of tackling climate change with other like-minded stakeholders, he said, and with deep resolve.