SWITZERLAND – Nestle has announced that it has created the Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences with a goal to develop functional, safe and environmentally friendly packaging solutions as part of its sustainability strategy.
Located in Lausanne, Switzerland, Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences will be part of Nestlé’s global research organization housing a state-of-the-art laboratory complex as well as facilities for rapid prototyping.
Nestle said the facility will employ around 50 people who will work in a close collaboration with its global R&D network.
The institute will evaluate the safety and functionality of various sustainable packaging materials through a strong team of experts including academic partners, suppliers and start-ups.
“We want to be a leader in developing the most sustainable packaging solutions for our food and beverage products.
To achieve this, we are enhancing our research capabilities to develop new packaging materials and solutions.
Through this, we hope to address the growing packaging waste problem, in particular plastics. We aim to minimize our impact on the natural environment while safely delivering to our consumers healthier and tastier products,” said Nestlé CEO Mark Schneider.
Improving environmental performance
The institute will focus on research areas such as recyclable, biodegradable or compostable polymers, functional paper, as well as new packaging concepts and technologies to increase the recyclability of plastic packaging.
Nestle said the new solutions will be tested in various product categories, before they are rolled out across Nestlé’s global portfolio.
This reinforces Nestle’s commitment to improving the environmental performance of packaging by using less materials and recycling more.
The company made a commitment to make 100% of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025.
It also has an existing target to reduce the amount of packaging used by 140,000 tons by 2020 and to continuously improve the environmental performance packaging.
“Packaging plays a crucial role in helping us deliver safe and nutritious products to our consumers.
The new Institute of Packaging Sciences will enable us to accelerate the redesign of our packaging solutions.
Cutting-edge science as well as a close collaboration with globally leading academic institutions and industrial partners will deliver a pipeline of highly performing environmentally friendly packaging solutions,” said Nestlé Chief Technology Officer Stefan Palzer.
