In recent months, local brands in Pakistan have made noticeable strides in the marketplace. Still, when it comes to giving back to the community and adopting sustainable business practices, many have fallen short. While local companies are beginning to understand the importance of corporate social responsibility, the bulk of community development and environmental efforts have been driven by multinational companies (MNCs).
These global giants have recognized that their role extends beyond just selling products—they are actively shaping the future through sustainability, health initiatives, and environmental practices. As a result, the responsibility for much of the progress in these areas lies at the feet of MNCs, who set the standards for how businesses should contribute to society.
Sustainability in agriculture is an urgent concern in Pakistan, where traditional farming methods often lead to soil degradation, overuse of water resources, and dependence on harmful pesticides. With the growing effects of climate change, there is an increasing need for companies to adopt environmentally friendly practices to protect natural resources and ensure the long-term viability of agriculture.
In response to these challenges, multinational companies like Lipton, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and Mondelez Pakistan are taking significant steps towards more sustainable farming practices. For example, Lipton has transformed its tea production to become climate-positive, incorporating renewable energy in its operations and promoting sustainable farming methods that protect the environment. Similarly, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola have embraced regenerative agriculture, which focuses on improving soil health, reducing pesticide use, and enhancing biodiversity.
These companies are working closely with local farmers to implement these practices, demonstrating that sustainable agriculture is not only feasible but also beneficial for the environment and the economy.
Sustainability is central to Lipton’s operations, with 98% of its tea leaves responsibly sourced and packaging made from 100% recyclable materials and plant-based tea bags. Its Khanewal facility, the world’s largest tea production site, runs 66% on renewable energy, showcasing Lipton’s commitment to a greener, net-zero future.
Mondelez Pakistan, known for brands like Cadbury and Oreo, has also made significant strides in sustainable sourcing, focusing on responsible procurement of cocoa and other ingredients. Their efforts are a testament to the growing role of MNCs in reshaping the agricultural landscape in Pakistan, ensuring that environmental sustainability is integrated at every stage of production.
In addition to environmental efforts, MNCs in Pakistan are also making a significant impact on public health. Nestlé, recognizing the alarming rates of child malnutrition in the country, launched its Nestlé for Healthier Kids initiative in 2010. This program educates children about the importance of healthy eating habits, teaching them to make better nutrition choices early in life. Since its launch, the initiative has reached over 360,000 children across the country, fostering a healthier future for the next generation.
Energy efficiency is another critical area where MNCs are making an impact. Shell, for example, has been a key player in promoting energy efficiency in Pakistan. By introducing sustainable energy solutions and supporting renewable energy projects, Shell is helping reduce carbon footprints in the country. The company works with local communities to introduce energy-efficient technologies that not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also drive economic growth by providing affordable and reliable energy sources.
For local brands in Pakistan, these MNCs should not be seen as mere competitors, but as valuable opportunities to learn from and emulate. The innovative practices and social responsibility initiatives led by these global companies are providing a blueprint for success—one where sustainability is integrated into every aspect of business.
The modern consumer is no longer simply buying a product, they are buying into the values and philosophy behind it. Today’s market is more discerning and cautious than ever. Consumers expect brands to stand for something beyond profit—they want to support companies that align with their own beliefs on sustainability, ethics, and social impact. This shift in consumer behavior presents a unique opportunity for local businesses to adapt. Instead of viewing multinational companies as rivals, local brands should see them as mentors.
By embracing similar sustainable practices and focusing on transparency, ethics, and long-term impact, local businesses can not only appeal to this evolving, value-driven consumer base, but also build trust and loyalty. In this way, local businesses have the opportunity to grow alongside MNCs, contributing to a more sustainable and responsible business ecosystem in Pakistan.
This article is written by Shaiza Zeeshan. She is a freelance journalist with a knack for covering diverse topics, from economy to culture and beyond.
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At least label this as a PR. Not sounding like independent journalism at all.