NIGERIA – Multinational food manufacturing giant Nestle has announced the replacement of plastic straws used for its Ready-To-Drink (RTD) MILO packs, switching to paper straws in Nigeria.

The move, a first of its kind in the West African country is aimed to rid the world of plastic waste, targeting to eliminate 60 metric tons of plastic yearly.

Speaking on the new paper straws, the MD/CEO for Nestlé Nigeria, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini said, “We are proud to take this leading action to protect the environment. Transforming how we make, use, reuse and recycle our packaging plays an important role in the bold commitments we have made to reduce packaging waste and mitigate climate change.

“This is proof that Nestlé and other companies can be a force for good in society by providing products that are good for people and good for the planet.”

Nestlé Nigeria is taking on this bold step to deliver on the company’s global commitment to make 100% of Nestlé’s packaging recyclable or re-usable by 2025 to protect the environment.

“Transforming how we make, use, reuse and recycle our packaging plays an important role in the bold commitments we have made to reduce packaging waste and mitigate climate change.”

MD/CEO Nestlé Nigeria – Mr. Wassim Elhusseini

The newly developed paper straws are 100% biodegradable as well as safe and easy to use.

“By introducing papers straws, MILO is shoulder-to-shoulder with consumers to improve our environment.

“We our doing our best to guarantee that our consumers continue to enjoy the delicious MILO RTD they love with the added assurance that it is packaged safely and sustainably,” said Olutayo Olatunji, Category Manager, Beverages, Nigeria.

Nigeria generates more than 32 million tons of solid waste annually, out of which only 20-30% is collected. Many cities in the country face serious plastic waste management challenges.

Meanwhile across the globe, soft drinks brand Ribena has permanently ditched plastic straws for its carton line of products, and has replaced them with 100% recyclable paper ones.

The paper straws were first trialled in Tesco stores in 2020, but have now rolled out fully across Ribena’s range.

Owner Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I said the move would slash up to 16 tonnes of plastic from the supply chain per year.

The plastic straws being used by the brand were recyclable, but faced difficulties, “largely due to their size,” said SBF. “If people don’t push the straw back into the carton when finished, it can get lost in the recycling process, often falling through gaps on recycling centre sorting bells.”

The brand is now working to develop a hygienic wrapper for the new straws from alternative materials that will still stand up to the rigours of rucksacks and refrigerators.

The soft drinks giant plans to have moved its entire portfolio to “100% sustainable packaging” by 2030.

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