Nestlé unveils new recyclable packaging to advance sustainability

AFRICA – In celebration of Global Recycling Day, Nestlé East and Southern Africa Region (ESAR) has announced a major milestone: nearly all its packaging is now made from recyclable materials.

This achievement reflects the company’s commitment to a waste-free future, driven by its “Designed for Recycling” (D4R) initiative.

As a dedicated member of the Polyolefin Responsibility Organization (Polyco), a South African non-profit focused on reducing plastic waste, Nestlé continues to push for sustainable packaging solutions.

The company has set an ambitious target of making 100% of its packaging recyclable or reusable, having already reached 90% of this goal.

Embracing the RecyclingHeroes theme, Nestlé celebrates individuals, businesses, and communities that champion sustainability.

Its approach is built on three key principles: Rethink, Reduce, and Repurpose. These pillars guide Nestlé’s transition toward sustainable production and packaging solutions that minimize waste and maximize recyclability.

One of the latest success stories is the transformation of Nestlé Nespray sachets, which are now designed to seamlessly integrate into the recycling process, significantly reducing landfill waste.

By adopting D4R materials, Nestlé has already eliminated 78 tonnes of packaging waste annually.

According to the South African Plastic Pact’s 2023 report, 42 million problematic plastic items have been removed from circulation since 2020.

This progress is fueled by an expanding recycling industry that not only combats pollution but also creates jobs for reclaimers.

Nestlé has played an active role in this shift by reducing plastic usage and reinforcing sustainable practices across its operations.

In 2023, the company cut plastic pallet wrapping by 50% in its South African factories. By adopting advanced shrink film technology that maintains durability while reducing material use, Nestlé successfully reduced plastic packaging by 115 tonnes annually.

Advancing plastic reduction goals

Several Nestlé brands, including KitKat®, BarOne®, Tex®, Aero®, NESCAFÉ®, Nespray®, Klim®, and Milo®**, are now 100% Designed for Recycling.

Meanwhile, NESCAFÉ in South Africa is working toward making nearly all its packaging recyclable by the end of 2025.

The brand also encourages creative reuse of NESCAFÉ jars, promoting their use for storage, gardening, and decorative purposes, further extending their lifecycle.

Additionally, Nestlé is making strides in reducing virgin plastic consumption. By 2024, the company had already cut its use of virgin plastic by 25%.

In 2023, it integrated 30% recycled plastic into shrink films, eliminating 190 tonnes of virgin plastic annually. Nestlé is on track to reduce virgin plastic use by 33% by 2025, reinforcing its long-term sustainability vision.

“Plastic neutrality is not a choice – it is a necessity,” says Mark Helfrich, Packaging Engineering Manager for Nestlé ESAR.

“We have the opportunity and responsibility to drive lasting change, and each step we take brings us closer to a world where waste is minimized and resources are preserved for future generations.”

Nestlé’s dedication to plastic neutrality underscores the critical role corporations play in tackling global plastic pollution. By prioritizing sustainability and innovation, the company sets a higher industry benchmark, inspiring businesses worldwide to take action.

Through collaboration, technological advancements, and a firm commitment to environmental stewardship, Nestlé is paving the way for a waste-free future.

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