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Nestlé creates R&D institute for sustainable packaging

Nestlé is creating a new research institute dedicated to the development of functional, safe and environmentally friendly packaging solutions, a step toward its commitment to make 100 percent of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025.

In collaboration with the company’s global R&D network, academic partners, suppliers and start-ups, the Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences will evaluate the safety and functionality of various sustainable packaging materials. Research focus areas will include recyclable, biodegradable or compostable polymers, functional paper, as well as new packaging concepts and technologies to increase the recyclability of plastic packaging. The new solutions will be tested in various product categories, before they are rolled out across Nestlé’s global portfolio.

“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,” says Nestlé Chief Technology Officer Stefan Palzer.

The Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences, which is part of Nestlé’s global research organization, will be located in Lausanne, Switzerland. It is expected to employ around 50 people and include a laboratory complex as well as facilities for rapid prototyping.

“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,” says Nestlé CEO Mark Schneider. “Through this, we hope to address the growing packaging waste problem, in particular plastics.”