Paper Renaissance at Nestlé

Smarties become plastic-free.

Thomas Reiner | 21.03.2019

In order to improve its recyclability and to gradually reduce its use of plastics, Nestlé has already started to swap packaging for its products this year.

Since February the use of drinking straws made of plastic has gradually started to be reduced. Alternative materials such as paper are being used and innovative designs introduced.

Further substitutions of the year 2019:
– The first quarter sees the introduction of paper packaging for Nesquik.
– In the second half of the year the snack bar Yes! will follow.
– And even with Smarties, the introduction of plastic-free packaging will start in 2019.

It is remarkable how strong the renaissance of paper with Nestlé’s activities is. Even in the past there were respective attempts, but all failed. The reasons were at that time were missing functionalities, as well as lacking suitability for marketing.

One can assume that it will work this time. Why? Because technology and designs are evolving. Above all, however, because the topic of ocean littering and the ongoing discussion about plastics is developing a completely different kind of pressure than the environmental discussions of earlier years. A “nice to have” has become a “must have”, especially for marketing.

Other activities of Nestlé: By 2025, Nestlé Waters recycled PET content is set to increase to 35% worldwide, and even to 50% in the US. A particular focus is on the key brand Poland Spring. And for the European brands Acqua Panna, Buxton, Henniez and Levissima, the percentage of recycled PET in bottles in the year 2025 is sought to be at least 50%.