In this episode of The 360 on Energy and Carbon Podcast, Catherine O’Brien, senior vice-president of corporate affairs, regulatory, government relations and sustainability at Nestlé Canada, joins hosts Dave and John to discuss the complex balance between environmental ambition and operational reality at one of the world’s largest food companies.

Learn how Nestlé is addressing Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, collaborating across supply chains, and embedding sustainability into every part of its business model — from packaging innovation to dairy emissions reduction.

Highlights and key insights

Integrated sustainability: Nestlé doesn’t treat sustainability as a side project — it’s tied directly to its purpose and embedded into every department, from product design to procurement.

Supply chain engagement: Achieving net-zero targets means engaging farmers, manufacturers and logistics partners. Dairy emissions, a significant challenge, are being addressed through direct work with producers.

Regulatory navigation: O’Brien shares how Nestlé balances proactive policy engagement with the realities of operating in a highly regulated environment.

Packaging innovation: The company is rethinking packaging materials and design to reduce plastic use and improve recyclability, while also managing cost and functionality.

Public accountability: With regular sustainability reporting and clearly defined roadmaps, Nestlé maintains transparency while pushing for measurable progress.

Consumer-centric approach: From recycling initiatives to sustainable product lines, consumer behaviour is a core part of Nestlé’s climate strategy — requiring education, transparency and trust.

Collaboration as a core value: Nestlé emphasizes that progress requires cross-industry partnerships, aligning with governments, competitors and academia to scale sustainable solutions.

Why this episode stands out

O’Brien offers a grounded look at how a multinational company turns sustainability goals into actionable strategy. Her insights reveal the real challenges of leading climate efforts in a complex supply chain and demonstrate the importance of collaboration, adaptability and long-term thinking.

This episode is especially relevant for sustainability professionals, supply chain leaders, policymakers and anyone curious about what real-world corporate climate action looks like.

Speakers

• Catherine O’Brien: Senior vice-president, corporate affairs, regulatory, government Relations and sustainability, Nestlé Canada
• David Arkell: President and CEO, 360 Energy
• John Pooley: Vice-president of program development, 360 Energy
• Lysandra Naom: Executive producer, The 360 on Energy and Carbon Podcast

Listen in to explore how one of Canada’s largest companies is working to meet ambitious sustainability goals in a fast-changing global landscape.