Nestle Accelerates Action to Tackle Plastic Waste

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VEVEY, Switzerland, January 16, 2019 /PRNewswire＝KYODO JBN/ --

     Nestle today laid out its broader vision to achieve a waste-free future and

announced a series of specific actions towards meeting its April 2018 commitment

[https://www.nestle.com/media/pressreleases/allpressreleases/nestle-recyclable-reusable-packaging-by-2025 ] to make 100% of its packaging recyclable or

reusable by 2025, with a particular focus on avoiding plastic-waste.

         (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/775385/Nestle_Logo.jpg )

    Nestle CEO Mark Schneider said, "Our broader vision and action plan outline

our commitment and specific approach to addressing the plastics packaging waste issue.

    While we are committed to pursuing recycling options where feasible, we

know that 100% recyclability is not enough to successfully tackle the plastics

waste crisis. We need to push the boundaries and do more. We are determined to

look at every option to solve this complex challenge and embrace multiple

solutions that can have an impact now. We believe in the value of recyclable

and compostable paper-based materials and biodegradable polymers, in particular

where recycling infrastructure does not exist.

    Collective action is vital, which is why we are also engaging consumers,

business partners and all of our Nestle colleagues to play their part.

    You can count on us to be a leader in this space!"

    Addressing the multifaceted issue of plastic pollution requires a holistic

view and a well-orchestrated effort. To realize this objective, specific

actions are required. In line with this approach, Nestle today announced

tangible steps to pioneer alternative materials, shape a waste-free future and

drive behavior change.

    Pioneering alternative materials

    In December 2018, Nestle announced the creation of its Institute of

Packaging Sciences

[https://www.nestle.com/media/pressreleases/allpressreleases/nestle-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.

    Between 2020 and 2025, Nestle will phase out all plastics that are not

recyclable or are hard to recycle

[https://www.nestle.com/asset-library/documents/media/press-release/2019-january/nestle-action-tackle-plastic-waste-negative-list.pdf ] for all its products worldwide. In doing so,

Nestle is rolling out alternative packaging materials across its global product

portfolio and establishing partnerships with cutting-edge packaging specialists:

    - Starting in February 2019, Nestle will begin to eliminate all plastic

straws from its products, using alternative materials like paper as well as

innovative designs to reduce littering.

    - Nestle 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.

    - Nestle Waters will increase the recycled PET content in its bottles to

35% by 2025 at the global level and will reach 50% in the United States, with a

specific focus on its iconic brand Poland Spring. In addition, Nestle Waters

will increase the recycled PET content for its European brands Acqua Panna,

Buxton, Henniez and Levissima to 50% by 2025.

    - Successful recycling requires an adequate infrastructure, which is

currently not always in place. Nestle 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.

    - Nestle is also collaborating with external partners. The Company has

formed a global partnership with Danimer Scientific   

[https://www.nestle.com/media/pressreleases/allpressreleases/nestle-danimer-scientific-develop-biodegradable-water-bottle ] to develop a marine biodegradable

and recyclable bottle for its water business. Danimer Scientific, based in

Bainbridge, GA, is a pioneer in creating more sustainable and more natural ways

to make plastic products.

    - Furthermore, Nestle 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.

    Shaping a waste-free future

Over and above delivering on its 2025 commitment, Nestle has a longer-term

ambition to stop plastic leakage into the environment across its global

operations. This will help avoid further accumulation of plastics in nature and

achieve plastic neutrality.

    Plastic waste in the ocean poses a particular threat to Indonesia as well

as other Southeast Asian countries. Nestle has therefore become the first food

company to partner with Project STOP [https://www.stopoceanplastics.com ],

which was launched in Indonesia in 2017. Project STOP is a leading initiative

to prevent the leakage of plastic into the ocean by developing partnerships

with cities and governments in Southeast Asia. Project STOP is creating

sustainable, circular and low-cost waste systems that capture as much value

from waste as possible. It supports the many existing local initiatives and

informal

waste pickers in Indonesia's coastal areas. Over the coming months, we will

take the learnings from this project to other countries where we operate in an

effort to deliver 'plastic neutrality' in those markets. Nestle will provide

more details at the appropriate time.

    Driving new behavior

    Addressing the plastic waste challenge requires behavior change from all of

us. Nestle is committed to leading lasting and impactful change. We know there

is no better place to start than from within our own Company.

    - All 4,200 Nestle facilities worldwide are committed to eliminating

single-use plastic items that cannot be recycled. These items will be replaced

by materials that can easily be recycled or reused. We encourage the

consumption of all of our products at our locations. For recyclable materials

such as PET and aluminum, we will ensure that the proper means to collect and

handle are available where consumed and our commitment to recycling is well

communicated.

    - Nestle employees in all locations worldwide and at all levels will

dedicate their volunteering days to the removal of litter and participate in

clean-up activities on World Ocean Day on June 8, 2019. To lead the way,

Nestle's Executive Board and employees at the Company's global headquarters in

Switzerland will volunteer to clean the shores of Lake Geneva in May 2019.

    Responding to the plastic waste challenge and striving for zero

environmental impact in its operations is an integral part of Nestle's

commitment to creating shared value for shareholders and society. Nestle is

particularly dedicated to accelerating action in tackling the plastic waste

issue and report on the Company's progress publicly.

    This press release is also available in French (pdf)

[https://www.nestle.com/asset-library/documents/media/press-release/2019-january/nestle-action-tackle-plastic-waste-fr.pdf ]

and in German (pdf).

[https://www.nestle.com/asset-library/documents/media/press-release/2019-january/nestle-action-tackle-plastic-waste-de.pdf ]

Source: Nestle