The negative list: Nestlé identifies the six "no go" plastic types in its sustainability charge

06 Feb 2019 --- Nestlé has identified several plastic material types that it will avoid using in new product packaging and immediately begin phasing out from existing packaging. The FMCG giant has determined that effective recycling schemes are unlikely to be established for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polyvinyliden Chloride (PVDC), Polystyrene (PS), expanded Polystyrene (ePS), Regenerated Cellulose and non-recyclable plastics/paper combinations and, as such, these materials will be discontinued for packaging purposes.

The move comes as part of Nestlé’s broader vision to achieve a waste-free future and make 100 percent of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025, with a particular focus on avoiding plastic waste.

“While we are committed to pursuing recycling options where feasible, we know that 100 percent recyclability is not enough to successfully tackle the plastics waste crisis. We are determined to look at every option to solve this complex challenge and embrace multiple solutions that can have an impact now,” says Nestlé CEO Mark Schneider.

“We believe in the value of recyclable and compostable paper-based materials and biodegradable polymers, in particular where recycling infrastructure does not exist,” he adds.

Phasing out plastics
In January, Nestlé announced a new collaboration with Danimer Scientific which aims to produce a marine biodegradable water bottle prototype in two to three years, Caroline Biétry, Corporate Spokesperson for Nestlé, tells PackagingInsights. The prototype would then be tested and assessed under local conditions, in both developing as well as developed markets, she notes.

In December 2018, Nestlé announced the creation of its Institute of Packaging Sciences to evaluate and develop various sustainable packaging materials and to collaborate with industrial partners to develop new packaging materials and solutions.

Nestlé's "negative" list of plastic packaging materialsBetween 2020 and 2025, Nestlé will phase out all plastics that are not recyclable or hard to recycle for all its products worldwide. In doing so, Nestlé is rolling out alternative packaging materials across its global product portfolio and establishing partnerships with cutting-edge packaging specialists:

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 percent by 2025 at the global level and will reach 50 percent in the US, 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 percent 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, US, 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.

Bio-based alternatives: Steady growth in 2019
In addition to paper-based packaging, bioplastics are widely expected to mount a more serious challenge to traditional plastics in 2019. In comparison to paper-based packaging, bioplastics have achieved relatively slow but consistent growth to date. Plastics Europe Market Research Group (PEMRG) estimates that bioplastics currently account for 6 percent of all plastics packaging. Meanwhile, European Bioplastics (EUBP), expects bioplastic global production to increase by 18.8 percent from 2017-2022.

UK packaging expert, Neil Farmer, expects increased investment and experimentation in the bioplastics space in 2019. “More investment is coming on-stream in Asia, particularly China. There is also some investment in Europe, with two Italian companies, Novamont and Bio-On, doing great things. Bio-On has already joined forces with Unilever to use patented bio-technologies for natural, biodegradable microplastics production,” he tells PackagingInsights.

Another UK packaging expert, Richard Coles, also expects NPD in biodegradable and compostable packaging solutions in 2019, especially within niche applications such as sandwiches, nuts, snacks and confectionery. “These packaging solutions possess good barrier properties and are likely to gain more favor with the smaller ‘challenger brands,’ such as Two Farmers’ compostable pack for potato crisps, in 2019,” he notes.

Farmer and Coles both highlight that the major obstacle to bio-based growth is cost-effectiveness, with greater investment and government support needed for the European bioplastics industry. “Only then will we see volume production, economies of scale and greater profitability to the enable the market to grow more rapidly,” says Farmer.

By Joshua Poole