Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurates Nestle Pakistan’s Biomass Steam Plant in Sheikhupura, advancing the company’s sustainability agenda

Nestlé Pakistan CEO Jason Avanceña and the company’s leadership team called on Chief Minister Punjab

Lahore: Nestlé Pakistan, in partnership with the Government of Punjab, marked another important milestone in its sustainability efforts through the stone-laying ceremony of the Biomass Steam Plant at Sheikhupura. The ceremony was led by the Honorable Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, as Chief Guest, and attended by Nestlé Pakistan’s leadership team, including CEO and Managing Director Jason Avanceña, Head of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Sheikh Waqar Ahmad and Head of Technical Faisal Nadeem. The initiative further supports Nestlé’s global ambition to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The Biomass Steam Plant, backed by an investment of USD 4.5 million, is part of Nestlé Pakistan’s wider focus on renewable energy and sustainability. It also builds on the company’s investment commitment of PKR 17 billion, equivalent to USD 60 million, announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos for Pakistan during the 2026–2028 period. Once operational, the plant will produce 30 tons of steam per hour by using agricultural waste, helping replace conventional fossil fuel-based energy sources with a cleaner, renewable alternative.

Speaking at the ceremony, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif acknowledged Nestlé Pakistan’s contribution to Pakistan’s industrial and environmental progress, noting that the biomass steam plant reflected the country’s growing focus on circular economy and renewable energy solutions. She said the project was fully aligned with the Punjab government’s priorities of environmental protection, cleaner air and sustainable industrial development, adding that initiatives of this nature would play an important role in addressing climate challenges and encouraging responsible industrial practices.

Speaking on the occasion, Jason Avanceña, CEO & MD, Nestlé Pakistan, said, “The Biomass plant in Sheikhupura is an important step in our journey towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing cleaner manufacturing. By utilizing nearly 72,000 tons of agricultural residue annually, the Biomass Steam Plant is expected to reduce approximately 24,345 tons of CO₂ emissions every year, while supporting more sustainable agricultural practices and contributing to Punjab’s clean air priorities. The project is also expected to deliver estimated annual fuel cost savings of around USD 2.15 million”

Emphasizing the wider value of the initiative, Sheikh Waqar Ahmad, Head of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, Nestlé Pakistan, said, “By reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based energy sources and promoting the productive use of agricultural residue, the Biomass Steam Plant supports Pakistan’s transition towards cleaner energy solutions. The project also highlights the growing role of public-private partnerships in strengthening industrial competitiveness and advancing environmental sustainability.” The initiative contributes to SDGs 7 on Clean and Affordable Energy, and 13 on Climate Action, advancing lower-emission energy and more responsible resource use.

Nestlé Pakistan continues to focus on sustainable manufacturing, creating shared value for local communities and supporting Pakistan’s climate and renewable energy objectives.