SWITZERLAND – The global food and drink giant, Nestle has announced accelerated action to eliminate all hard-to or non-recyclable plastics from its products by 2025 with plans to roll out alternative packaging materials across its global product portfolio.

The new commitments reinforce the company’s ambitious strategy announced in April 2018 to make 100% of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025, with a particular focus on avoiding plastic-waste.

Nestle has announced specific actions including pioneering alternative materials that will ensure the future and the environment we live in is safeguarded.

“Our broader vision and action plan outline our commitment and specific approach to addressing the plastics packaging waste issue.

While we are committed to pursuing recycling options where feasible, we know that 100% recyclability is not enough to successfully tackle the plastics waste crisis.

We need to push the boundaries and do more,” said Nestlé CEO Mark Schneider.

“Collective action is vital, which is why we are also engaging consumers, business partners and all of our Nestlé colleagues to play their part.

You can count on us to be a leader in this space!”

Alternative materials

Nestle has unveiled intentions to explore recyclable and compostable paper-based materials and biodegradable polymers and embrace recycling to tackle the challenge of plastic pollution on the environment.

The commitment follows the creation of Institute of Packaging Sciences, an organisation established last December to evaluate and develop various sustainable packaging materials by partnering industry experts.

Nestle will eliminate all plastic straws from its products and replace them with paper alternatives starting February and also roll out paper packaging for Nesquik and Yes! snack bar by second half of 2019.

Smarties will start rolling out plastic-free packaging in 2019 and Milo will introduce paper-based pouches in 2020.

Nestle Water will increase the recycled PET content in its bottles to 35% by 2025 at the global level and will reach 50% in the United States, with a specific focus on its iconic brand Poland Spring.

Its European brands Acqua Panna, Buxton, Henniez and Levissima, will increase the recycled PET content to 50% by 2025.

Global partnerships for waste-free future

The company has said that it has collaborated with Georgia based Danimer Scientific to develop a marine biodegradable and recyclable bottle for its water business.

It also initiated a collaboration with Pure Cycle Technologies to produce food-grade recycled Polypropylene (PP).

Through investments and collaborations, Nestle is working towards its longer-term ambition to stop plastic leakage into the environment across its global operations.

To alleviate the impact of plastics on oceanic pollution, Nestle has partnered with Project STOP,  a leading initiative launched in Indonesia in 2017 to create sustainable, circular and low-cost waste systems in Southeast Asia.

In a global commitment, Nestle has said that all of its 4,200 facilities in all locations worldwide have committed to eliminating single-use plastic items that cannot be recycled.

“Responding to the plastic waste challenge and striving for zero environmental impact in its operations is an integral part of Nestlé’s commitment to creating shared value for shareholders and society.

Nestlé is particularly dedicated to accelerating action in tackling the plastic waste issue and report on the Company’s progress publicly,” said the company.