KITKAT® and LION® Dive into Circular Economy with Le Fourgon’s Innovative Deposit System
KITKAT® and LION®, two of Nestlé France's most iconic brands, have taken a bold step towards sustainable packaging by launching a deposit system for their products through Le Fourgon, France’s leader in reusable packaging. This exciting pilot project, a winner of the 2023 CITEO “EncoRe plus de réemploi” call for projects, makes KITKAT® and LION® the first national sweet grocery brands in France to embrace deposit-based reuse. The initiative signals a major shift in how everyday favorites are packaged, offering consumers a greener alternative while keeping Nestlé at the forefront of eco-innovation.
How it Works: A Simple and Sustainable Approach
Consumers in Hauts-de-France can now enjoy KITKAT® Balls and LION® Pops in sleek stainless-steel containers, provided by Circolution and available for purchase via Le Fourgon’s app and website. The process is straightforward: after enjoying the products, consumers return the empty packaging directly to Le Fourgon, which collects, sorts, cleans, and refills the containers. Each purchase includes a refundable €2 deposit, making it easy for customers to embrace reuse without the hassle.
“This is a game-changer for the sweet grocery industry,” said Charles Christory, CEO and co-founder of Le Fourgon. “To have major brands like KITKAT® and LION® join forces with us to drive reuse shows that this is more than a trend—consumers want sustainable options, and brands are listening.”
A 6-Month Trial to Test Consumer Interest
The initiative, currently in a six-month trial phase, aims to assess consumer engagement with this new approach to packaging. With Bocoloco, a reuse and traceability expert, overseeing the experiment, Nestlé hopes to gain valuable insights on how to expand such systems to a larger audience.
Nestlé France’s Director of Packaging and Sustainability, Mathieu Tuau, highlighted the importance of this trial: “We’re excited to take our first steps into the deposit system with Le Fourgon. This pilot project is not just about reducing waste but also about listening to our customers and exploring innovative ways to lower our environmental footprint. We’re eager to see how consumers respond.”
A Commitment to Sustainable Packaging by 2025
As part of its global sustainability commitment, Nestlé France is striving for 100% recyclable or reusable packaging by 2025, with 91% already meeting this target. The company is actively exploring new solutions to reduce its reliance on single-use plastic, and this deposit initiative is the latest example of their forward-thinking approach.
Researching the Packaging of Tomorrow
Nestlé’s Packaging Research Institute, located in Lausanne and home to over 50 scientists, is at the cutting edge of packaging innovation. From plant-based to compostable and biodegradable materials, the institute is working with start-ups and global academic partners to create the eco-friendly packaging solutions of the future. One such innovation is the compostable NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® NEO coffee pod, demonstrating Nestlé’s dedication to making a sustainable difference across its product range.
With the KITKAT® and LION® brands leading the charge, Nestlé continues to push boundaries and explore new ways to meet consumers' growing demand for eco-friendly products—starting with the iconic sweets we know and love.
The Future of Packaging is Here—and It's Reusable.