Dailycsr.com – 30 January 2019 – On January, 15, 2019, Nestlé put down its broader plan of achieving “a waste-free future”, whereby announcing a set of “specific actions” for fulfilling its “April 2018 commitment” of making its packaging 100% “recyclable or reusable by 2025”, while particularly making sure of to avoid plastic-waste.
In the words of the chief executive officer of Nestlé, Mark Schneider:
“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. 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.
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!”
Tackling with plastic pollution, which is a multifaceted issue, one needs two things: “a holistic view and a well-orchestrated effort”. And if one has to achieve these objectives, one needs to chalk out “specific actions” plan. And Nestlé’s recent announcement was just that, as the company enumerated “tangible steps” of pioneering “alternative materials”, introducing behavioural change and shaping “a waste-free future”.
The “Institute of Packaging Sciences” was started by Nestlé in December 2018 with the aim of evaluating and developing “various sustainable packaging materials”. Collaborating with the “industrial partners”, this project became a means for Nestlé to “develop new packaging materials and solutions”.
Nestlé plans to phase out all the “plastics that are not recyclable or are hard to recycle” on a global scale and are present in its products within the period of “2020 and 2025”. In this attempt, the company has begun to introduce “alternative packaging materials” across the globe. Below are some of the action plans of the company, as mentioned by Nestlé:
Starting in February 2019, Nestlé will begin to eliminate all plastic straws from its products, using alternative materials like paper as well as innovative designs to reduce littering. Nestlé 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 Waters 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. In addition, Nestlé Waters will increase the recycled PET content for its European brands Acqua Panna, Buxton, Henniez and Levissima to 50% by 2025. Successful recycling requires an adequate infrastructure, which is currently not always in place. Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences is exploring new paper-based materials and biodegradable/compostable polymers that are also recyclable, among other alternatives. This could become a valuable option in places where recycling infrastructure does not yet exist and will not be available for some time. Nestlé is also collaborating with external partners. The Company has formed a global partnership with Danimer Scientific to develop a marine biodegradable and recyclable bottle for its water business. Danimer Scientific, based in Bainbridge, GA, is a pioneer in creating more sustainable and more natural ways to make plastic products. Furthermore, Nestlé initiated a collaboration with PureCycle Technologies to produce food-grade recycled Polypropylene (PP). PureCycle Technologies is commercializing ground-breaking recycling technologies which can remove color, odor and contaminants from plastic waste feedstock in order to transform it into virgin-like resin. Polypropylene is a polymer commonly used for packing food in trays, tubs, cups and bottles. In the words of the chief executive officer of Nestlé, Mark Schneider:
“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. 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.
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!”
Tackling with plastic pollution, which is a multifaceted issue, one needs two things: “a holistic view and a well-orchestrated effort”. And if one has to achieve these objectives, one needs to chalk out “specific actions” plan. And Nestlé’s recent announcement was just that, as the company enumerated “tangible steps” of pioneering “alternative materials”, introducing behavioural change and shaping “a waste-free future”.
The “Institute of Packaging Sciences” was started by Nestlé in December 2018 with the aim of evaluating and developing “various sustainable packaging materials”. Collaborating with the “industrial partners”, this project became a means for Nestlé to “develop new packaging materials and solutions”.
Nestlé plans to phase out all the “plastics that are not recyclable or are hard to recycle” on a global scale and are present in its products within the period of “2020 and 2025”. In this attempt, the company has begun to introduce “alternative packaging materials” across the globe. Below are some of the action plans of the company, as mentioned by Nestlé:
However, changing our behaviour is one of the key issues in addressing plastic waste and Nestlé has committed itself for “leading lasting and impactful change”. As it added:
“We know there is no better place to start than from within our own Company”.
“Nestlé employees in all locations worldwide and at all levels will dedicate their volunteering days to the removal of litter and participate in clean-up activities on World Ocean Day on June 8, 2019. To lead the way, Nestlé’s Executive Board and employees at the Company’s global headquarters in Switzerland will volunteer to clean the shores of Lake Geneva in May 2019”.
Moreover, Nestlé believes in going beyond its “2025 commitment” and aims at stopping plastics, “across its global operations”, from escaping into the environment. It is a step to eliminate further plastic accumulation in nature besides driving in “plastic neutrality”. As ocean plastic waste have become threat in particular for Indonesia and “other Southeast Asian countries”, Nestlé has joined in “Project STOP” as the “first food company” to do so, for addressing the situation in Indonesia.
References:
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