Nestlé is teaming up with diverse industrial partners to sponsor research in bioplastics at the Ecole des Mines in Paris. This kind of multipartner collaboration in bioplastics is the first if its kind in the world of bioplastic sciences.
As part of its commitment to Sustainable Development and Creating Shared Value, Nestlé is co-funding a Chair in Bioplastics at Ecole des Mines de Paris, which includes 6 PhD theses. This research programme will study the properties of polymers derived from renewable resources, as well as their industrial application. The Ecole des Mines in Paris has a strong capability in understanding the physical and chemical properties of polymers as well as in polymer processing. Other industrial partners that are funding this Chair are Schneider Electric, PSA, Arkema and l’Oreal.
ROUNDTABLE DEBATE: Anne Roulin, Nestlé's Head of Global Packaging
“We consider that this is the beginning of a new era of Bioplastics. Today we are just at the start of a long journey in research and development, and a lot more scientific and technical work is required before we have materials that are truly adapted to food packaging needs and can be used on a large scale.”
Anne Roulin, Nestlé’s Head of Global Packaging.
In addition to a financial contribution of EUR 60,000 per year for 5 years, Nestlé will also bring its long experience in bioplastics and strong knowledge of packaging to this partnership.
Nestlé and Bioplastics
Nestlé is committed to continuously reducing the environmental impact of its products. Packaging materials derived from renewable resources like bioplastics are one way to reach this goal. Unlike petrochemical-based plastics which are derived from fossil fuels, the majority of bioplastics are made from renewable sources – plants, algae or other biomass.
This new research programme complements Nestlé’s existing partnerships with material suppliers. Nestlé has already introduced bioplastic materials in selected products for a number of years. For example, Nestlé worked with the Indian Packaging supplier UFlex to introduce a PET film, in which 30% of the content is derived from molasses, a by-product of sugar. This is used in flexible sachets and pouches in India and some other countries in Asia in applications such as Maggi noodles, soups and sauces and Kit Kat. This material is a breakthrough as the PET film is also 15% thinner than the worldwide standard of 12 microns.
The introduction of other bioplastic materials is continuing whenever they meet Nestlé’s high standards of quality and safety to protect the product and where there is a true environmental benefit.
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