Nestlé is advancing its sustainable packaging efforts with the introduction of paper-based innovations across several key brands. As part of its ongoing mission to reduce plastic use, the company recently launched paperboard canisters for the Vital Proteins brand in the United States. This new packaging reduces plastic content by 90% compared to previous designs. Developed by Nestlé’s Health Science R&D center in Bridgewater, New Jersey, in collaboration with external partners, the canister features a rigid, proprietary coverlid that is leak-proof, spill-proof, and designed for everyday use.
Nestlé’s global R&D network is also working with external partners and suppliers to develop high-barrier paper packaging solutions for other product categories. Gerhard Niederreiter, Head of Nestlé’s Institute of Packaging Sciences, said, “When developing paper packaging, we consider each product’s sensitivity to external elements such as oxygen, temperature, and moisture.”
In the United Kingdom, Nestlé introduced a high-barrier paper refill pack for Nescafé, enabling consumers to refill their glass jars while maintaining product freshness. The new packaging reduces weight by 97% and can be recycled in the local paper waste stream. Additionally, the Nescafé Cappuccino range in Europe now uses fully recyclable paper-based packaging, replacing the previous plastic format.
Axel Touzet, Head of Nestlé’s Coffee Business Unit, noted, “Coffee is particularly sensitive to oxygen and humidity. Redesigning packaging for this category requires additional efforts to ensure product freshness with sustainable solutions.”
These innovations contribute to Nestlé’s broader goal of achieving 95% recyclable plastic packaging by 2025 and reducing virgin plastic use by one-third.