Nature is the foundation of every cup of coffee. From healthy forests and thriving biodiversity to stable climates and fertile soils, coffee depends on natural systems that are under increasing pressure. The challenges are complex, and they differ across origins, landscapes, and supply chains, which is why simple, one-size-fits-all solutions are not enough.
At NKG, our role is to understand where our greatest nature-related impacts and risks lie, to be transparent about them, and to focus our efforts where they can have the greatest effect. This means combining robust assessments with practical action, working alongside partners, and continuously strengthening the way we manage nature-related topics across our business.
At NKG, we are not interested in making nature sound like a promise—it is a responsibility. That responsibility requires clear priorities, measurable action, and the willingness to improve as our understanding evolves. NKG’s commitments reflect how we turn this responsibility and our ambition to make a difference into concrete action and a transparent way of measuring progress.
Climate Action Plan
We recognize that climate impacts are closely intertwined with the long-term resilience of coffee supply chains. NKG is exposed to climate-related physical risks that may affect productivity, quality, and sourcing continuity across coffee-producing regions. At the same time, we accept our accountability for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across our own operations and, as far as possible, throughout our value chain.
Within this context, NKG’s climate strategy pursues two main objectives: Strengthening climate resilience along the value chain and contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts. Our strategy considers the complexity of agricultural supply chains and the need for context-specific and proportionate responses.
The strategy is operationalized through NKG’s Climate Action Plan, first published in 2023 and currently being updated and evolved. This plan provides a structured framework for our climate-related actions, integrating mitigation and adaptation considerations and linking emissions-reduction efforts with measures aimed at strengthening resilience at the farm and origin levels. The Climate Action Plan builds on the principles and priorities set out under the Responsible Business Program, which guided sustainability-related activities and is now replaced by our new Sustainability Strategy, and is informed by our Corporate Carbon Footprint Assessment, using 2022 as the baseline year.
Insights generated through climate risk assessments are used to inform adaptation pathways across coffee value chains. These pathways focus on strengthening resilience through the promotion of good agricultural practices, improved resource efficiency, and collaboration with suppliers and partners, while also supporting emissions reduction objectives. Particular emphasis is placed on measures that can improve long-term productivity and environmental performance at the farm level, while reducing the long-term impacts of climate-related physical and transition risks.
Biodiversity & Ecosystems
Coffee farms are components of interconnected ecosystems. Without ecosystem services such as pollination, soil health, water regulation, and climate buffering, the productive capacity of coffee farming erodes over time. We have therefore embedded biodiversity and ecosystem health firmly within our new Sustainability Strategy, under the pillars of Nature and Resilience.
Our work on ecosystems and biodiversity begins at the farm level: Promoting and enabling agricultural practices that protect, regenerate, and strengthen the coffee systems themselves and the ecosystems they are embedded in and surrounded by. This is complemented by partnerships in high-risk and high-value areas, ensuring that NKG’s biodiversity ambitions remain grounded in operational reality.
Translating this strategic intent into scalable action has required building the right foundations first. We conducted a structured and thorough stocktaking of our positive forest and ecosystem actions across origins, recognizing that scaling impact credibly demands data-driven decision-making and the ability to monitor and report progress with rigor and consistency. In parallel, we developed a dedicated Framework for Regenerative Agriculture and Ecosystem Action. The Framework confirms our commitment through a dedicated policy and technical guidance. Like this, we use a shared language and common technical reference point that aligns producers, NKG field staff, partners and other stakeholders. On this foundation, we have sharpened our focus and accelerated action in the areas where our strengths are most effectively deployed: Strengthening farmer services, including training, expanding regenerative agriculture practices, promoting agroforestry, and scaling seedling production.
