Nestlé chief executive Mark Schneider said: “Plastic waste is one of the biggest sustainability issues the world is facing today. Tackling it requires a collective approach. We are committed to finding improved solutions to reduce, reuse and recycle. Our ambition is to achieve 100% recyclable or reusable packaging by 2025.”
The company focuses on three core areas: eliminate non-recyclable plastics; encourage the use of plastics that allow better recycling rates; and eliminate or change complex combinations of packaging materials.
Recognising the need for developing a circular economy, Nestlé said it is committed to:
Playing an active role in the development of well-functioning collection, sorting and recycling schemes across the countries where we operate; Working with value chain partners and industry associations to explore different packaging solutions to reduce plastic usage, facilitate recycling and develop new approaches to eliminate plastic waste; Labelling our plastic product packaging with recycling information to help consumers dispose of it in the right way; Promoting a market for recycled plastics by continuing to increase the proportion of recycled plastics in our packaging.
Preventing packaging material ending up as waste, including in seas, oceans and waterways is one of the key reasons behind Nestlé’s pledge.
Stefano Agostini, chief executive, Nestlé UK & Ireland said: “Nestlé is making a clear announcement today on the future of its packaging. Around the world, we will be throwing our efforts behind making all of our packaging either recyclable or reusable by 2025. Packaging is fundamental to our business and crucial in delivering safe, high quality food to our consumers as well as reducing food waste. What today’s announcement recognises is that we need to do more to address the sustainability of the packaging we use.
“I am positive that, with a renewed focus and a clear aim for the future, we will make a difference for the planet that truly reflects Nestlé’s purpose to enhance quality of life and contribute to a healthier future.”
In an additional environmentally-friendly move, Nestlé Waters UK announced that it will be introducing recycled plastic to all water bottles produced at its UK facility from April onwards.
Buxton Natural Mineral Water and Nestlé Pure Life bottles will contain 20% recycled plastic (rPET) and the announcement marks the first step toward the introduction of recycled material in its bottles. The company has a long standing commitment to sustainability and improving operations; previously it lightweighted bottles by an average of 25% which are fully recyclable and designed for recyclability.
The new Buxton bottles made with rPET remain fully recyclable and will be available for the first time during the Virgin Money London Marathon later this month, an event that Buxton has sponsored since 2013.
“As a business we have a responsibility to protect the environment, today and for future generations to come” said Hayley Lloyd House, head of communications, Nestlé Waters UK.
