Nestlé’s Sustainable Packaging Initiative – Advancing Circular Packaging

Recommendation: initiate a átmenet to recycled materials across Nestlé’s packaging, launching a észak regional pilot that covers five streams, reallocating erőforrások to design for recyclability, and reporting annually on progress from the polcok to suppliers.

Employ innovative packaging choices that rely on water-based inks and simplified coatings to improve recyclability, and stating that Nestlé’s aims include promote circular design across all brands. This előrenyomulva effort will create new collaboration with packaging suppliers to qualify easily separable substrates and reduce contamination, with quarterly milestones connected to polcok in major markets.

We measure progress by five core metrics: recyclability score by material, recycled-content share, weight reduction per item, end-of-life recovery rate, and packaging return programs. This framework aims to minimize waste generation and prevent generation of non-recyclable waste while preserving product integrity. Nestlé’s cross-functional teams will coordinate across regions to ensure erőforrások are directed to high-impact design changes each quarter, with results published annually.

To scale adoption, align with companys obligations and establish a governance model that népszerűsíti best practices. The észak markets will pilot standardized packaging templates and a library of inks alternatives, while a quarterly review ensures előrenyomulva packaging outcomes and keeps polcok stocked with more sustainable options.

Nesquik® Recyclable Shrink Sleeve Labels and 100% Recyclable Packaging Progress

Implement a 100% recyclable packaging program for nesquiks beverages now, anchored by a shrink-sleeve functionality solution that scales from the factory floor to shelves and the consumer stream. This move makes nesquiks a leader in circular packaging and sets forward targets for the future of packaging. The sleeves will use recycled content where available, streamlining end-of-life processing.

Create an innovative cross-functional team to redesign substrates, inks, and label construction to support recycling streams. The goal is a simple, low-waste system that makes recycling easy for consumers while preserving product integrity. Inks will be certified for recyclability, and the shrink-sleeve material will be chosen for compatibility with recycling streams, enabling a clean desleeving process at end-of-life. This effort is making recycling simpler and driving results without disrupting production.

To scale this initiative, the companys packaging team aligns factory specs, supplier contracts, and logistics so every facility can support 100% recyclable packaging. By coordinating with packaging partners and recyclers, nesquiks can sustain a circular loop and keep packaging costs predictable as volumes grow. The expected outcomes include higher recycling rates and a stronger system for making beverages more circular.

Define Scope: Which Nesquik bottles and packaging layers are now recyclable

Recommendation: Transition Nesquik ready-to-drink bottles to a PET bottle with a standard recyclable cap and minimize the use of shrink-sleeve; this boosts recyclability across multiple markets and strengthens forward momentum toward circularity.

Scope today: The recyclable bottle layer is the PET container for milk-based ready-to-drink Nesquik products. The cap, typically PP or HDPE, is recyclable in most curbside programs across regions. The shrink-sleeve packaging layer adds complexity, and its recyclability depends on local facilities; sleeve removal or separate processing may be required in many programs.

Process considerations: Align the packaging stack with local recycling rules, track metric recyclability rates by market, and ensure inks and coatings on the bottle are environmentally friendly and do not hinder mechanical recycling. Direct printing or paper-based labels can improve recyclability where sleeves are not accepted.

Transition plan: Establish a transition timeline across packaging lines, aiming to remove shrink-sleeve on ready-to-drink nesquiks within 12–18 months where feasible and to test across multiple markets. Collect data, refine formulations, and minimize contamination to increase recovery rates; avoid materials that sink into landfills.

Layer details: The recyclable solution for nesquiks RTD includes a PET bottle, cap materials chosen for recyclability (PP or HDPE), and a label strategy that favors direct printing or paper-based labels over non-recyclable films. If a shrink-sleeve remains, ensure it uses a recyclable film and compatible inks, with clear sorting guidance in the process flow.

Expected outcomes: Recyclability gains across nesquiks ready-to-drink lineup; establish a metric for regional recyclability rates and track progress quarterly. This leadership position reinforces environmentally responsible packaging and advances circularity across markets.

Next steps: Align packaging specifications with suppliers, update internal guidelines, and run controlled tests in selected markets. Roll out gradual changes to minimize disruption while accelerating the transition toward a more recyclable, ready-to-drink solution.

Shrink-Sleeve Tech: Materials, design, and compatibility with recycling streams

Adopt PETG shrink sleeves on PET bottles, pair with water-based inks, and apply a removable adhesive so sleeves can be removed in the recycling stream, aligning with Nestlé’s forward packaging solutions and sustainable targets for circularity.

Materials and design should clearly avoid PVC, which many recyclers exclude from PET streams. PETG offers robust shrink performance, clarity, and compatibility with PET recycling streams when inks and adhesives are optimized, making the sleeve recyclable within the PET stream. In north facilities, validate the sleeve with local recyclers to confirm de-labeling success and minimal contamination; consider OPS only for specialty shapes where PETG won’t work. Verify compatibility with the PET stream by conducting a controlled de-labeling test. The sleeve should be designed to minimize metal pigments in inks to avoid sorting issues and to support efficient de-inking.

Ink strategy matters: prefer water-based or UV-curable inks that are de-inkable and low residue after washing. Align with a label design that keeps branding legible while enabling automated sorting. The functionality of the sleeve–its ease of removal and compatibility with existing bottle handling lines–must be tested across multiple bottle formats to verify performance in an industry-wide context. Significant gains come when inks and adhesive layers are chosen to minimize residue in the recycling stream and to support efficient de-inking.

Testing and metrics: run pilot tests with regional recyclers to measure sleeve-removal effectiveness, contamination levels, and impact on bottle purity. This data aligns with nestlés packaging guidelines and informs the broader nestlés strategy. Track a metric called circularity performance over years, documenting progress to a target of high recyclability share. Share learnings with mcleod and the teams involved, using this data to adjust materials, inks, and labeling guidelines. This approach keeps production focused on recyclable, sustainable outcomes and builds a closed-loop approach where sleeves are designed with recycling in mind.

Implementation plan: establish cross-functional teams across production, label, packaging, and sustainability to oversee a sleeve project from design to scale. Define clear milestones, such as material certification, print-ink compatibility, and recycling stream validation, and document results for industry-wide adoption. The goal is to reach a consistent, scalable solution in 5 years, with steady improvement in circularity metrics and stronger collaboration with suppliers.

Recycling Pathways: How sleeves integrate into curbside and industrial recycling

Kick off a north-focused sleeve recycling plan pairing curbside collection with industrial sorting. Teams from companys and partner networks align on labeling, routing, and process steps. Adopting a two-track approach accelerates uptake in both streams. Pilot in 4 municipalities and 6 industrial sites will cover roughly 1.2 million residents and 60 brands, spanning beverages including milk, mate, and other beverages with distinct flavours.

Label strategy centers on a universal sleeve label with resin code and a QR tag linking to a recyclability data set. Stating the recyclability rate on packaging helps consumers and collectors. This standard applies across the company and ensures consistent visibility across curbside and industrial sorting.

Materials strategy encourages mono-material sleeves and inks compatible with existing streams. By adopting recycled content in the outer layer, companys can increase recyclability while maintaining print quality for flavours and beverages. Ongoing transitioning to recycled inputs requires careful supplier coordination and continuous testing.

Operational framework: mcleod-guided governance provides clear milestones, with north teams sharing data weekly. The collaboration includes supplier partners and recycling facilities to streamline intake, reduce mis-sorting, and boost forward momentum. This includes streamlining intake and labeling processes.

Advancing circularity means generation-wide gains: the target is 40-60% recycled content in sleeves by 2026 in the north, rising to 70% for future beverages. This supports generation cycles across regions. The approach measures recyclability per generation and adjusts process steps to ensure consistent stream quality.

Ongoing data sharing, constant updates, and data constantly flows to refine sorting instructions and label clarity. By linking curbside and industrial streams, sleeves stay recycled across generations in a north market.

Measurement and Reporting: Metrics for tracking circularity and packaging impact

Establish a standardized, industry-wide metrics dashboard in the Nestlé system within 12 months to measure circularity and packaging impact. This solution will enable adopting a single source of truth that links production volumes, materials flows, footprint reductions, and recycled-content progress, with quarterly updates to governance bodies.

As mcleod notes, define eight core indicators to support system functionality and the data architecture behind the dashboard, and set targets that are auditable and industry-wide. Track circularity rate, recycled-content share, footprint per unit, materials diversity, recyclability score, end-of-life recovery rate, landfill diversion, and supplier packaging sustainability. Baselines should be established by category and region, with a plan to reach 50% recycled content by 2027, reduce footprint per unit by 15% by 2026, and achieve at least 75% end-of-life recovery across core SKUs. This approach applies to Nestlé flavours alongside beverages and foods, and potentially expands to other packaging formats as data quality improves.

This process includes stating progress publicly to external stakeholders to build trust. Institute a monthly cadence for data capture, quarterly validation, and routine audits to verify accuracy, with a centralized data model that supports cross-market comparisons, ensuring traceability from raw materials to finished packaging to support environmentally responsible decision-making while actively working to reduce emissions and material waste.

To move from concept to action, align packaging design with measured outcomes. Quantify the footprint reductions achieved by switching to recycled materials in flavours lines, choose packaging formats that maximize recyclability, and favor monomaterial options where feasible. Potentially, this approach will yield higher recovery rates and cost efficiencies as the materials system matures, while maintaining product quality.

Engage suppliers through a common metric schema and standardized material specifications. Launch an industry-wide pilot in key markets, share best practices, and apply a formal supplier scorecard to incentivize adoption. By enabling industry-wide benchmarking, Nestlé can scale progress across the value chain and accelerate using recycled and environmentally sound materials.

Next steps include mapping current packaging materials, establishing baselines, integrating data sources, and setting 12-month milestones for dashboard deployment and public reporting. The team will report progress towards reducing packaging footprint, increasing recycled content, and moving toward environmentally friendly packaging at scale, with clear accountability and ongoing improvements.

Guidance for Stakeholders: Best practices for retailers, converters, and consumers

Retailers should implement bottle-to-bottle recycling programs and track recycled content with suppliers, annually reporting progress to measure advancing circularity and sustainable packaging.

To create measurable action, align with company goals through cross-functional collaboration with teams across the value chain:

• Retailers: Establish a cross-functional team with procurement, store operations, logistics, and marketing to set concrete targets for recycled content, packaging reduction, and collection rates.
• Retailers: Publish a dashboard annually that shows recycled content levels, packaging weight changes, and bottle-to-bottle recovery progress, stating clear milestones for the year.
• Retailers: Label products clearly to indicate recyclable streams and provide consumer guidance through in-store displays and QR codes that link to recycling instructions.
• Retailers: Minimize material usage while maintaining functionality, including designing solutions that preserve product protection and reduce unnecessary packaging.
• Retailers: Build a reliable mate with converters and suppliers to ensure packaging is designed for recovery, using compatible closures and recyclable labels that do not contaminate streams.

Converters should optimize packaging for recyclability and reuse while supporting the generation of high-quality recycled material:

• Converters: Design packaging that is predominantly mono-material and easy to separate, including closures and labels that support bottle-to-bottle streams and minimize contamination.
• Converters: Invest in equipment and process improvements that raise the share of post-consumer recycled content reaching the line, with quality controls that sustain functionality and consumer acceptance.
• Converters: Test packaging in regional recycling streams and share results with retailers, stating performance data annually to guide scale-up and investment decisions.
• Converters: Choose adhesives and printing that are compatible with recycling and avoid components that hinder material recovery, including alternatives that boost environmental outcomes.
• Converters: Innovating packaging solutions that reduce virgin resin demand, including easy-to-recycle structures and clear specifications for downstream processing.

Consumers play a key role in closing the loop by actively participating in sorting, cleaning, and returning packaging:

• Consumers: Prefer products with high recycled content and packaging designed for bottle-to-bottle recycling, helping to advance environmental benefits and support circularity generation.
• Consumers: Rinse and separate packaging before disposal, keeping caps and labels in the correct stream to maintain the quality of recycled material.
• Consumers: Use store take-back points or municipal programs to ensure packaging enters the appropriate collection system, contributing to a reliable supply of recycled content for future generations.
• Consumers: Support brands and retailers that communicate clear instructions and provide guidance on where to recycle, including in-store and online resources that state actionable steps.
• Consumers: Stay informed about packaging changes and participate in feedback loops that help design teams continuously improve functionality while advancing sustainable packaging goals.

For the broader company-wide impact, align communications around measurable solutions and progress with annual reporting that highlights reductions in packaging weight, increases in recycled content, and what remains to be improved, always aiming to minimize waste and maximize bottle-to-bottle recycling effectiveness.