Nestlé R&D has announced a partnership with IBM Research to develop tools that use artificial intelligence and deep tech to create new innovations. As part of this collaboration, the companies have developed a generative AI tool that can identify novel high-barrier packaging materials.
To create the tool, AI-based processing techniques were used to construct a knowledge base of known materials from public and proprietary documents. A fit-for-purpose chemical language model was fine-tuned based on this knowledge base, enabling it to learn the representation of the materials’ molecular structures.
The teams then used a recently developed regression transformer by IBM Research to learn the correlation between key structural molecular features and the resulting physical-chemical properties. The model is now able to propose new high-barrier packaging materials that shield products from moisture, temperature swings, and oxygen. Nestlé plans to use the technology to identify future packaging materials while considering cost, recyclability, and functionality.
“We do believe that generative AI will continue to disrupt scientific discovery, impacting the core business of all knowledge-based industries, allowing critical differentiation and sustainable growth,” said Alessandro Curioni, IBM Research VP Europe & Africa.
“Leading the digital transformation”
The new technology is part of Nestlé’s efforts to reduce the use of virgin plastics, shifting to alternative materials and novel technologies. The company aims to begin using recyclable mono-material and paper-based solutions, but this means identifying materials that meet the needs of each product while ensuring food safety and quality.
In recent years, Nestlé has also been working to become more sustainable by launching plant-based foods; in March, it opened a new facility in Serbia to produce its Garden Gourmet products. However, the company is also cutting staff at its Czech facility, citing reduced demand for meat alternatives.
“This novel AI-powered language model, developed in collaboration with IBM Research, illustrates how Nestlé is leading the digital transformation within the food and beverage industry,” said Nestlé Chief Technology Officer Stefan Palzer. “In the future, such breakthrough technology could be used to optimize the development of more sustainable packaging solutions across product categories.”