Nestle will introduce bio-based lids and scoops made from sugar cane and its by-product for a range of its nutrition products for infants and children.
The bio-based plastics are made from a renewable plant material that can be continually replenished and that absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The packaging also helps Nestle reduce its use of fossil-based plastics.
“Nestle 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,” says Theirry Philardeau, head of Nestle Nutrition.
“Families rely on us for support in the first 1000 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 maximise the use of renewable resources.”
Nestle Nutrition’s Nan infant formula packed in the new packaging materials was introduced in Hong Kong in 2020 and will be available in other markets globally from 2021, including for other brands such as Beba and Guigoz.
Wyeth Nutrition is launching the new bio-based packaging for its brands SMA, Little Steps, S-26 and Illuma.
Nestle Health Science is also introducing the new packaging material for its Althera, Alfare, Alfamino, Modulen and Peptamen Junior brands, which are part of its global range of paediatric food for special medical purposes.
“It is our responsibility to our customers and to our planet to innovate on packaging materials that contribute to a more sustainable future,” explains Greg Behar, CEO of Nestle Health Science.
“We are pleased that Nestle Health Science’s paediatric range is our first product group to include the new bio-based lids and scoops – new solutions for a new generation.”
The lids and scoops are made from 66 per cent and 95 per cent sugar cane respectively. They are certified as plant-based packaging and are recyclable in countries that have recycling facilities for polyethylene (PE), which has the same properties and functionalities as conventional plastic – without compromising the high level of hygiene and freshness required.
The bio-based lids and scoops complement the tin can, which is metal-based and is the most recycled material in the world.
“The development of innovative sustainable packaging solutions plays an important role in our journey to net-zero,” explains Ryan Carvalho, head of R&D and chief medical officer for Nestle Nutrition.
“Bio-based packaging from sugar cane 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 that our products maintain a high level of safety and quality.”
This solution is one of the many that Nestle is working on to address the issue of packaging waste.
Nestle is a founding member of the Bioplastics Feedstock Alliance that aims to encourage production of bioplastics feedstocks in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, and economically viable manner.
