Nestlé is advancing its sustainability efforts by introducing paper-based packaging solutions for major brands, including Vital Proteins and Nescafé, as part of its commitment to reducing plastic use and enhancing recyclability.
Nestlé, a global leader in food and beverage production, is making significant strides in sustainable packaging by introducing innovative paper-based solutions across its major brands. As part of its commitment to environmental responsibility, Nestlé is transitioning from plastic to paper packaging to reduce its ecological footprint. This initiative is part of the company’s broader goal to achieve 95% recyclable packaging by 2025 and cut its use of virgin plastic by one-third.
Paper Innovations in the U.S.
On September 3, 2024, Nestlé unveiled its latest packaging advancement with the introduction of paperboard canisters for its Vital Proteins brand in the United States. This new packaging design, developed at Nestlé Health Science’s R&D center in Bridgewater, New Jersey, in collaboration with external partners, achieves a remarkable 90% reduction in plastic compared to previous packaging. The paperboard canisters feature a proprietary coverlid that is both rigid and leak-proof, ensuring durability and ease of use.
Expanding Global Efforts
Nestlé’s global R&D network is also working on the next generation of high-barrier paper packaging solutions. These innovations are being developed in conjunction with external partners and suppliers to cater to various product categories. In the United Kingdom, Nestlé has introduced a high-barrier paper refill pack for Nescafé, allowing consumers to refill their glass jars at home while maintaining product freshness and quality. This new packaging reduces weight by 97% and is fully recyclable.
In Europe, the Nescafé Cappuccino range has adopted new paper-based packaging, replacing the previous plastic can. This change is part of Nestlé’s efforts to ensure that packaging is recyclable in the local paper waste stream across the continent.
Commitment to Sustainability
Gerhard Niederreiter, Head of Nestlé’s Institute of Packaging Sciences, emphasized the importance of developing packaging solutions that address the sensitivity of products to external factors such as oxygen, temperature, and moisture. He noted that Nestlé’s journey with paper packaging began with confectionery products like Smarties and KitKat and is now advancing to more sensitive products like coffee, which require high-barrier protection.
Axel Touzet, Head of the Coffee Business Unit, highlighted the challenges of packaging coffee, which is highly sensitive to oxygen and humidity. The new paper-based packaging solutions are designed to maintain the freshness and quality of coffee while aligning with Nestlé’s sustainability goals.
These packaging innovations reflect Nestlé’s dedication to advancing sustainable practices and reducing environmental impact. As the company continues to explore and implement eco-friendly solutions, it sets a benchmark for the industry, demonstrating that significant progress towards sustainability can be achieved through innovation and commitment.
