SUSTAINABILITY
34
N espresso ’ s story began in 1976 when Nestlé employee Eric Favre patented a coffeemaking system that brewed using single-use capsules of coffee grounds . Although the invention failed to capture market interest at first , eventually the Nespresso company was formed in 1986 and the system began to pick up momentum in Europe following a product trial in Japan . It has since become one the world ’ s premium coffee brands . Joining the company in 2012 , Julie Gallacher has been instrumental in Nespresso UK ’ s sustainability drive .
Throughout her tenure at Nespresso , Gallacher has realised that building momentum for sustainability in business consists of two things : 1 ) exposure and 2 ) engagement . “ I work a lot with the marketing team to ensure the sustainability story is showcased externally , so our consumers know about our sustainability credentials ,” she explains . “ But my work also involves engaging everyone inside the company to understand and be part of the initiatives .” This isn ’ t just to bolster participation rates ; greater uptake and engagement means that
the services themselves , often dovetailed with infrastructure , are enhanced and developed as a result . Perhaps the most significant change that has impacted global business in recent years is consumer demand for sustainability . As corporate strategies across the board begin to incorporate targets and goals linked to the environment , often the best way to attract customers and talent to a brand is by having solid ‘ green ’ credentials . “ I wanted to work with brands that I felt passionate about and had a sense of purpose ,” said Gallacher . “ Apart from
APRIL 2020