Environment
Nestlé to make Smarties packaging plastic free
Starting next month, Nestlé will begin to eliminate all plastic straws from its products, using alternative materials like paper as well as innovative designs to reduce littering and the company says it will also start rolling out paper packaging for Nesquik in the first quarter of 2019 and for the Yes! snack bar in the second half of 2019.
Smarties will start rolling out plastic-free packaging in 2019 and Milo will introduce paper-based pouches in 2020.
Nestlé CEO Mark Schneider made the announcement at the company’s Swiss headquarters, outlining a series of specific actions towards meeting its April 2018 commitment to make 100% of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025, with a particular focus on avoiding plastic-waste.
100% recyclability
"Our broader vision and action plan outline our commitment and specific approach to addressing the plastics packaging waste issue,” he said.
“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. We are determined to look at every option to solve this complex challenge and embrace multiple solutions that can have an impact now. We believe in the value of recyclable and compostable paper-based materials and biodegradable polymers, in particular where recycling infrastructure does not exist.
In December 2018, Nestlé announced the creation of its Institute of Packaging Sciences to evaluate and develop various sustainable packaging materials and to collaborate with industrial partners to develop new packaging materials and solutions.
The company says that between 2020 and 2025, it will phase out all plastics that are not recyclable or are hard to recycle for all its products worldwide. This means Nestlé will be rolling out alternative packaging materials across its global product portfolio and establishing partnerships with cutting-edge packaging specialists.
