Nestlé has recently announced significant strides in two key areas: innovative packaging and the expansion of its plant-based product range, offering alternatives to white fish. The former has seen a reduction of virgin plastic packaging by 10.5% since 2018, ensuring the company remains on track to achieve one-third less virgin plastic by the end of 2025. Better packaging options in the form of recycled plastics have also been introduced in its product range.
At the same time, Nestlé is venturing into plant-based alternatives for white fish. Products include breaded fish fillets, nuggets, and fingers. According to the company, these offer great taste and texture that “is close” to white fish.
Nestlé enhances eco-friendly packaging efforts
Nestlé’s approach to packaging pivots on reduction, innovation, and improved waste management, in line with the Global Commitment to tackle plastic waste signed by the company five years ago. According to reports, the company is among few leading signatories that have significantly outperform the market in this matter.
On the whole, the company is seeking to reduce its packaging output. This includes cutting its virgin plastic packaging by 10.5% since 2018, with a target to slash it by one-third by the end of 2025. A standout initiative includes launching a new range of coffee capsules, which are lighter in plastic weight and expected to save over 2,500 tonnes of polypropylene.
Such a commitment has proven successful, for the most part. The company decreased its total product packaging by 200,000 tonnes in 2022, leading to 280,000 tonnes less in greenhouse gas emissions. Its number of packaging pieces was cut down by 14 billion, as well, contributing to a total of 3.6 million metric tons in 2022 compared to 4.7 million metric tons in 2018.
Meanwhile, a strategic increase in the incorporation of recycled materials in packaging is underway, with Nestlé aiming to reach approximately 30% recycled content by 2025. The company has also made headway in designing packaging to be 100% recycling-ready, achieving 81.9% thus far and setting sights on exceeding 95% by the end of 2025.
Head of ESG strategy and deployment Antonia Wanner affirmed the company is pursuing better packaging solutions with a “direct impact”.
“With our in-house packaging experts and scientists, we are developing the next generation of packaging materials as well as redesigning packaging for the circular economy,” she said. “In addition, we promote better infrastructure systems for waste management, advocate for harmonized regulation, and encourage behavioral change.”
Plant-based seafood alternatives
Parallel to its packaging initiatives, Nestlé has launched a range of plant-based seafood alternatives. According to the company, these new products mimic the sensory attributes of white fish and have received commendations for their flavor profile and nutritional benefits.
The plant-based selections, which include breaded fillets, nuggets, and fingers, are vegan-certified and tailored to be high in protein while low in saturated fats. The products have garnered a Nutri-score A where this labeling is adopted.
“These new fish alternatives are the result of our deep expertise in plant-based proteins and our strong commitment to continue delivering exciting innovations that meet consumers expectations,” said Torsten Pohl, global head of R&D for Nestlé’s food category.
“During consumer testing, our products received high praise for the great taste and texture that is close to white fish. They also come with strong nutritional credentials, making them competitive in the marketplace.”
Europe’s introduction of these alternatives under the Garden Gourmet brand and Asia’s introduction under the Harvest Gourmet brand reflect Nestlé’s targeted approach to different markets. The plant-based offerings in Asia include crispy fish-free fingers, enriched with herbs and available in retail and dining establishments in Malaysia and Singapore.
“People continue to seek out plant-based options for their favorite dishes,” explained Massimo Zucchero, global category lead for plant-based meals. “These new alternatives to fish are a great addition at mealtimes and can also be shared as an appetizer or small meal. They are tasty, nutritious and can also help to reduce overfishing and protect the biodiversity of our oceans.”
This follows recent efforts by Nestlé to improve sustainability across its operations, including participating in a global framework for regenerative agriculture and creating a low-carbon fertilizer out of cocoa shells.
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