In an effort to achieve a waste-free future, the world’s largest packaged food company is finally taking drastic steps to reduce its plastic footprint. In a recent press release, Nestlé stated that it will begin eliminating all plastic straws in its products starting this February.

By 2025 the company plans to make 100% of its packaging either recyclable or reusable. Nestlé will begin by transitioning its chocolate milk brand Nesquik to paper.

Nestlé’s CEO Mark Schneider announced, “Our broader vision and action plan outline our commitment and specific approach to addressing the plastics packaging waste issue.” 

To accomplish this, the company created the Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences last December. At this development lab in Switzerland, Nestlé will invent and test new packaging solutions to be used across its 2,000 brands.

While it’s technologically possible to recycle many plastics, it’s often not completely feasible — or profitable — for recycling centres around the world to actually do so.

“…We know that 100% recyclability is not enough to successfully tackle the plastics waste crisis. [There is a] 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.” 

Plastic bottles, in particular, will represent a major challenge for Nestlé which makes billions by running a hundred water bottling operations in 34 countries across the world. 

Last year, KFC and McDonald’s announced plans to phase out plastic straws across Europe. The food industry is faster than most to respond to ever-evolving consumer preferences. And reducing plastic is, in essence, the flavour of the month.

Source: https://www.nestle.com/media/pressreleases/allpressreleases/nestle-action-tackle-plastic-waste