Nestlé Unveils Breakthrough Paper-Based Packaging Solutions, Cutting Plastic Use by 90%
In a significant step towards its sustainability goals, Nestlé is revolutionizing packaging with cutting-edge paper-based innovations across major brands, reducing plastic use by up to 90%.
One of the most notable launches is the new paperboard canisters for Vital Proteins, rolled out in the U.S. This fresh design is the result of a collaborative effort between Nestlé's R&D center in Bridgewater, New Jersey, and external partners. The switch to paperboard cuts plastic usage by 90%, making it a game-changer for eco-conscious consumers. Not only is the packaging leak- and spill-proof, but its durable design makes it perfect for daily use, featuring a tight and rigid coverlid for easy handling.
Nestlé is pushing the envelope in sustainable packaging, working hand-in-hand with suppliers and external innovators to develop high-barrier paper packaging that caters to various product categories, including those with specific preservation needs.
"Every product presents its own challenges. Some, like coffee, are highly sensitive to oxygen and humidity. For these, we must ensure the packaging is protective enough to maintain freshness without compromising sustainability," said Gerhard Niederreiter, Head of Nestlé’s Institute of Packaging Sciences.
Nestlé’s paper packaging journey began with confectionery products, including Smarties and KitKat, but the innovations are quickly spreading to other categories. In the UK, the company has introduced high-barrier paper refill packs for Nescafé. These packs allow customers to refill their glass jars while cutting packaging weight by an impressive 97%, with the paper being fully recyclable in local waste streams. The new Nescafé Cappuccino range in Europe has also embraced paper-based bodies, eliminating plastic and offering full recyclability.
Axel Touzet, Head of Nestlé’s Coffee Business Unit, noted, "Redesigning packaging for sensitive products like coffee is a challenge we’re meeting with science-based solutions. Our goal is to ensure that sustainability doesn’t mean compromising on quality."
These innovations come as part of Nestlé’s broader sustainability push, with the company aiming to make 95% of its plastic packaging recyclable by 2025 and to reduce virgin plastic use by one-third. This bold move positions Nestlé at the forefront of sustainable packaging, setting a high bar for the industry.
As consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions grows, Nestlé’s paper-based packaging breakthroughs show that big change is possible—without sacrificing product integrity or convenience.
