In a bold move towards sustainability, Nestlé is revolutionizing its packaging across several major brands, replacing plastic with innovative paper-based solutions.
This initiative marks a significant step in the company's commitment to eco-friendly packaging, aiming to design 95% of its plastic packaging for recycling and reduce virgin plastic use by one-third by 2025.
The transformation begins with Vital Proteins, Nestlé's popular collagen brand in the United States. New paperboard canisters for this product line have slashed plastic use by an impressive 90%. Developed at Nestlé Health Science's R&D center in New Jersey, these canisters feature a proprietary, leak-proof coverlid that ensures durability and ease of use.
Nestlé's coffee products are also getting a green makeover. In the UK, Nescafé now offers a high-barrier paper refill pack, allowing consumers to replenish their glass jars at home while maintaining product quality. This innovation cuts packaging weight by a staggering 97%. Meanwhile, in Europe, the Nescafé Cappuccino range has transitioned from plastic cans to fully recyclable paper-body packaging.
Gerhard Niederreiter, Head of Nestlé's Institute of Packaging Sciences, explains the company's strategic approach: "We consider each product's sensitivity to external elements such as oxygen, temperature, and moisture. Our paper packaging journey started with less sensitive products like Smarties and KitKat, and is now advancing to more challenging categories like coffee".
The coffee category presents unique challenges, as noted by Axel Touzet, Head of Nestlé's Coffee Business Unit: "Coffee is particularly sensitive to oxygen and humidity. Redesigning its packaging requires additional efforts to safeguard freshness and quality with science-based, sustainable solutions".
Nestlé's global R&D network is collaborating with external partners to develop next-generation high-barrier paper packaging across various product categories. This cross-category approach leverages Nestlé's expertise in sustainable packaging innovation.
As consumers increasingly demand eco-friendly options, Nestlé's paper packaging revolution not only addresses environmental concerns but also sets a new industry standard. With these innovations, the company is proving that sustainability and product quality can go hand in hand, paving the way for a greener future in consumer goods packaging.