Nestlé Nigeria pledges to increase recyclable and reusable packaging by 2025

NIGERIA – Following the launch of the New Nestlé Pure Life Bottles with 50% rPET, the Managing Director/CEO, Nestlé Nigeria, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini has revealed that the company will make more of their packaging recyclable and reusable by 2025.

During the official unveiling of the new Nestlé Pure Life bottles, Elhusseini, represented by Victoria Uwadeka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead, highlighted their vision. They aim to prevent their packaging, especially plastics, from reaching landfills, oceans, lakes, and rivers.

Elhusseini expressed, “Achieving fifty percent rPET in our Nestlé Pure Life Bottles is a significant milestone for us.

“It aligns with our goal to eliminate our packaging, including plastics, from ending up in landfills or water bodies. Since 2018, Nestlé Nigeria has strived for 100% plastics neutrality by 2025, following a ‘one tonne in, one tonne out’ principle.”

Nestlé Nigeria collaborated with stakeholders and the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) to enhance plastic recovery and recycling systems.

Their partnership with ALEF marked a step towards circularity, achieving 50% rPET inclusion in water bottles, compliant with national standards.

Acknowledging regulatory agencies’ support – NESREA, SON, and NAFDAC – Elhusseini praised their adherence to high standards. As discussions on climate change progress at COP 28, Nestlé commits to leveraging its influence for a waste-free future.

Mr. Onuoha Francis, representing the Minister of Industry, Trades, and Investment, lauded Nestlé Nigeria’s achievement. He emphasized recycling as crucial in addressing plastic waste and climate change while balancing economic growth.

Wissam Ramlawi, Managing Director of ALEF Recycling Company, hailed the milestone as a significant shift towards a sustainable future.

He commended Nestlé Nigeria’s proactive approach in embracing 50% rPET, marking a move towards a circular economy. The collaboration between ALEF and Nestlé Nigeria sets a precedent for sustainable partnerships.

Ramlawi celebrated the joint effort’s success in producing rPET, stressing the significance of transitioning to a reuse-based packaging system.

Their partnership stands as the first in the ECOWAS zone to produce rPET, symbolizing a pivotal moment in sustainable practices.

The auspicious occasion saw representation from critical government ministries and agencies like SON, NAFDAC, NESRA, Ministry of Environment, among others, underscoring the collective commitment to sustainable practices.

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