Nestlé introduces innovative paper-based solutions across major brands

USA – Swiss multinational food and drink company Nestlé is introducing paper-based packaging innovations across its major brands.

The company recently launched paperboard canisters for its Vital Proteins brand in the United States, reducing plastic use by 90% compared to previous packaging.

These new canisters, developed at Nestlé’s R&D center for Health Science in Bridgewater, New Jersey, in collaboration with external partners, feature a proprietary rigid and tightly sealed coverlid.

This design ensures the canisters are leak-proof, spill-proof, durable for everyday use, and easy to open and close.

Nestlé’s global R&D network works with external partners and suppliers to develop the next generation of high-barrier paper packaging solutions across various product categories.

Gerhard Niederreiter, head of Nestlé’s Institute of Packaging Sciences, explains, “When developing paper packaging, we consider each product’s sensitivity to external elements such as oxygen, temperature, and moisture.

“Nestlé’s paper packaging journey began with less sensitive products like confectionery, including Smarties and KitKat, and is now progressing to more demanding categories such as coffee, which requires higher barrier protection.”

Nestlé recently introduced a high-barrier paper refill pack for Nescafé in the United Kingdom. This packaging solution allows consumers to replenish their glass Nescafé jars at home without compromising product freshness or quality while reducing packaging weight by 97%. The paper packaging is recyclable within the local paper waste stream.

The Nescafé Cappuccino range in Europe also features new packaging with a paper body, replacing the previous plastic can. This fully recyclable packaging is available across Europe in various product varieties.

Axel Touzet, head of Nestlé’s Coffee Business Unit, emphasizes the challenge of redesigning coffee packaging, stating, “Coffee is particularly sensitive to oxygen and humidity. Redesigning packaging for this category requires additional efforts to ensure we can safeguard product freshness and quality with science-based, sustainable solutions.”

These cross-category packaging innovations underscore Nestlé’s commitment to its 2025 sustainability goal: designing 95% of its plastic packaging for recycling and reducing the use of virgin plastic by one-third.

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