Nestlé has officially inaugurated the Institute of Packaging Sciences, the first-of-its-kind in the food industry, and set as its goal zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Environmentally friendly packaging solutions
The institute is set to develop more environmentally friendly packaging for its products and reduce plastic waste, taking matters into its own hands rather than relying on its suppliers.
Speaking at the inauguration at the company’s research facilities in Lausanne, Switzerland, Nestlé CEO Mark Schneider said, “Our vision is a world in which none of our packaging ends up in landfill or as litter. To achieve this we introduce reusable packaging solutions and pioneer environmentally friendly packaging materials.
“Furthermore, we support the development of local recycling infrastructure and deposit schemes to help shape a waste-free world. The Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences enables us to create a strong pipeline of sustainable packaging solutions for Nestlé products across businesses and markets.”
The institute focuses on a number of science and technology areas, such as refillable or reusable packaging, simplified packaging materials, recycled packaging materials, high-performance barrier papers as well as bio-based, compostable and biodegradable materials.
Already Nestlé has developed products in recyclable paper packaging such as the Nesquik All Natural cocoa powder and the YES! snack bars in under 12 months.
Zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050
The food and beverage company has also set as its goals zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and limiting a global temperature rise to 1.5°C (the most ambitious aim of the Paris Agreement).
Ahead of the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit this month, Nestlé intends to sign the ‘Business Ambition for 1.5°C’ pledge.
To achieve its 2050 ambition, some of the company’s specific actions include: speeding up the transformation of its products in line with consumer trends and choices; scaling up initiatives in agriculture to absorb more carbon; and using 100 per cent renewable electricity in its factories, warehouses, logistics and offices.