Nestlé rolls out sugarcane lids and scoops for infant and children’s nutrition

15 Mar 2021 --- Nestlé is introducing bio-based lids and scoops made from sugarcane and its byproduct for a range of infant and children’s nutrition products.

The bio-based plastics are made from a renewable plant material that can be continually replenished and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Moreover, the packaging helps Nestlé reduce its use of fossil-based plastics.

Innova Market Insights recently identified “The Carbon Catalyst” as its second top packaging trend for 2021, detailing the increasing relevance of packaging’s carbon footprint as the key indicator of environmental sustainability amid increasingly stark climate change warnings.

The lids and scoops are made from 66 percent and 95 percent sugarcane, respectively. They are certified as plant-based packaging and recyclable in countries with polyethylene (PE) recycling facilities.

The packaging has the same properties and functionalities as conventional plastic alternatives, without compromising the high hygiene and freshness required.

Meanwhile, the bio-based lids and scoops complement the tin can. Metal is widely recognized as the most recycled material in the world.

European Bioplastics (EUBP) is predicting dynamic growth in the global bioplastics market. Announced at the 15th EUBP Conference, EUBP and the nova-Institute estimate 36 percent growth over the next five years after “successfully weathering the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” notes François de Bie, EUBP chairman.Nestlé Health Science is introducing the sugarcane lids and scoops for its Althéra, Alfaré, Alfamino, Modulen and Peptamen Junior brands.

The Bioplastics Feedstock Alliance
Nestlé is a founding member of the Bioplastics Feedstock Alliance, promoting the production of bioplastics feedstocks in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable manner.

Ryan Carvalho, head of R&D and chief medical officer for Nestlé Nutrition, explains: “The development of innovative sustainable packaging solutions plays an important role in our journey to net-zero.”

“Bio-based packaging from sugarcane is an excellent example of how we can make good use of plant-based raw materials that are renewable to develop better alternatives to traditional plastic while ensuring our products maintain a high level of safety and quality.”

Nestlé is aiming to make 100 percent of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025. The confectionery giant’s Smarties brand recently revealed it is adopting recyclable paper packaging for its chocolate products worldwide.

Hong Kong launch
Nestlé Nutrition’s NAN infant formula packed with the sugarcane material was introduced in Hong Kong in 2020. The packaging will be available in other markets globally from 2021, including for the Beba and Guigoz brands.

The bioplastics are made from sugarcane, which can be continually replenished and absorb CO2.Meanwhile, Wyeth Nutrition is launching the new bio-based packaging for its brands SMA, Little Steps, S-26 and Illuma.

Nestlé Health Science is also introducing the new packaging material for its Althéra, Alfaré, Alfamino, Modulen and Peptamen Junior brands, which are part of its global range of pediatric food for special medical purposes.

“Nestlé continues to push the boundaries of science to provide nutritional solutions for children, and we are putting that same passion into pioneering new packaging that is good for our planet,” comments Thierry Philardeau, head of Nestlé Nutrition.

“Families rely on us for support in the first 1,000 days of life – a critical time to shape a healthier and more prosperous future – and we are proud to be the first global brand to offer them solutions that maximize the use of renewable resources.”

By Joshua Poole

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