Nestlé R&D lead on the products and packaging of the future

Summary

Nestlé has been at the forefront of innovation since the late 1800s, expanding from baby formula to a diverse portfolio spanning coffee, ice cream, and packaged foods. Today, the company emphasizes sustainability, with a focus on plant-based products, reduced carbon footprints, and eco-friendly packaging. With over 4,000 R&D employees, Nestlé combines scientific expertise and local customization to meet global consumer needs. Its packaging innovations aim to reduce waste and enhance recyclability. Moving forward, paper-based and biodegradable packaging are key trends, addressing both environmental challenges and product safety.

Takeaways

• 🍼 Nestlé’s innovation journey began in the late 1800s when pharmacist Henri Nestlé developed a baby formula made from milk, wheat flour, and sugar.
• 🍫 Following early success in baby food and chocolate exports, Nestlé expanded globally through mergers, including with the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company.
• 🌍 Today, Nestlé manages over 2,000 brands, operates factories in more than 70 countries, and sells products in over 180 markets worldwide.
• 🔬 The company invests heavily in research and development, employing more than 4,000 R&D professionals to meet diverse consumer needs.
• 🏢 Nestlé’s central research hub in Lausanne focuses on nutrition science, analytical methods, agricultural science, packaging science, and food technology.
• 🌱 Sustainability is embedded across the entire value chain, including plant-based innovation, agricultural sourcing, carbon footprint reduction, and packaging transformation.
• 🥗 Nestlé is expanding its plant-based product range while emphasizing taste, nutrition, affordability, and adaptation to local consumer preferences.
• 🤝 Scientific discoveries are centralized but adapted locally through collaboration between global research teams and regional experts, including culinary specialists.
• 📦 Between 2020 and 2022, Nestlé reduced its total packaging volume by approximately 900,000 tons as part of its sustainability strategy.
• ♻️ The Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences focuses on reducing packaging, simplifying plastics for recyclability, increasing paper-based solutions, and exploring biodegradable materials.
• 🏭 New packaging solutions must be compatible with Nestlé’s 400+ existing factories to remain operationally and economically feasible.
• 🌦️ Packaging must protect food across different climates and geographies, such as high humidity in West Africa, while maintaining food safety and quality.
• 📄 Paper-based packaging is seen as a key future solution due to its availability and biodegradability, though recycling and composting infrastructure remain global challenges.

Q & A

How has Nestlé's approach to innovation evolved since its early days?

Nestlé's innovation began in the late 1800s with the creation of a baby formula using milk, wheat flour, and sugar. Over the years, it expanded into diverse product categories such as chocolate, coffee, ice cream, and more. Today, Nestlé holds over 2,000 brands and continues to innovate across various sectors, including food technology, packaging, and sustainability.

What are the main areas of focus for Nestlé's research and development efforts?

Nestlé's R&D efforts focus on five key areas: the impact of food on health and nutrition, developing analytical methods to understand product contents, agricultural science, food packaging science, and food technologies to improve production processes.

How does Nestlé ensure that its products meet local consumer needs in different regions?

Nestlé combines global expertise in scientific research with localized teams to adapt products to regional tastes and preferences. For example, plant-based products are developed based on local nutritional needs and local culinary preferences, ensuring that the final product meets consumer demands across various markets.

What is Nestlé's strategy regarding sustainability, especially in packaging?

Nestlé's sustainability strategy focuses on reducing packaging waste, moving from plastic to paper, and exploring biodegradable alternatives. The company reduced its total packaging volume by around 900,000 tons between 2020 and 2022. Nestlé also focuses on simplifying plastic packaging and increasing recyclability.

What are some of the challenges in developing sustainable packaging?

Some of the challenges include creating packaging that is safe for food, protects the product effectively, and is convenient for consumers. Packaging must also withstand different climates and geographical conditions. Additionally, packaging needs to be compatible with existing production systems to avoid the need for extensive factory redesigns.

How does Nestlé balance the need for sustainable packaging with practical considerations?

Nestlé balances sustainability with practicality by considering multiple factors such as food protection, consumer convenience, and cost. For instance, packaging solutions must be effective across various climates, like ensuring paper packaging for products such as Nescafé protects the product from humidity, while also being environmentally responsible.

Why is paper considered a significant aspect of Nestlé's future packaging strategies?

Paper is seen as a key element for future packaging because it is biodegradable, recyclable, and widely available. Nestlé is working towards increasing its use of paper-based packaging as part of its commitment to sustainability, although they also explore other alternatives like recyclable plastics and biodegradable materials.

What is the role of local experts in the product development process at Nestlé?

Local experts play a crucial role in fine-tuning recipes and ensuring that products meet the specific tastes, nutritional needs, and cultural preferences of different regions. This localized expertise helps Nestlé adapt global research to fit the unique requirements of local markets.

What kind of impact do agricultural raw materials have on Nestlé's sustainability efforts?

Agricultural raw materials like coffee, cocoa, and pulses are key factors in Nestlé’s sustainability efforts. The company assesses the carbon footprint of these materials and works on improving sourcing methods to reduce environmental impact. This includes using sustainable agricultural practices and exploring plant-based alternatives.

How does Nestlé ensure that its packaging remains effective while reducing its environmental footprint?

Nestlé ensures its packaging is effective by rigorously testing materials to ensure they protect products across different climates and transportation conditions. Additionally, they aim to reduce packaging volume, simplify materials, and explore biodegradable and recyclable options to minimize environmental impact.