The move aligns with the firm’s commitment to minimise the use of virgin plastics by at least one-third and make all of its packaging recyclable and reusable by 2025 globally
Nestlé Malaysia team showcasing latest sustainable packaging solutions. (Credit: Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad)
Nestlé Malaysia announced that it has used high-quality recycled plastic resin (rPET) to make bottles of its ready-to-drink (RTD) products.
The move aligns with the firm’s commitment to minimise the use of virgin plastics by at least one-third and make all its packaging recyclable and reusable by 2025 in Malaysia and around the world.
Nestlé Malaysia said that 90% of its packaging materials are made from environmentally-friendly packaging to tackle plastic waste.
The firm also replaced the single-use plastic shrink wrap with 100% sustainably produced recyclable paper for its MILO UHT 125ml products and is planning to expand the innovation to other products of the UHT series.
Nestlé Malaysia chief executive officer Juan Aranols said: “Making packaging greener and increasing collection for recycling are key actions in our sustainability agenda.
“Plastic waste remains a global issue and we are working harder than ever to deliver innovative solutions that are better for the environment.
“By transitioning to 100% rPET bottles and more paper-based packaging solutions, we reduce the use of virgin plastic and improve our CO2 footprint. This reflects our Company’s ongoing commitment to shape a waste-free future.”
In 2020, Nestlé Malaysia became the first company in ASEAN to use sustainably produced paper straws throughout its complete UHT line, saving more than 200 million plastic straws per year.
The company is also leading the CAREton Project in collaboration with Tetra Pak to repurpose recycled beverage cartons into ‘green’ roofing tiles and panel boards and achieve its sustainability goals.
In addition, the company has already launched additional environmentally-friendly packaging innovations, such as a paper pouch for MILO Mixes, 100% paper sampling cups for its MILO vans, and paper wrappers for some of its ice cream items.
Nestlé Malaysia is also working with recyclers and local governments in the Klang Valley to expand collection and recycling systems, with the goal of reaching 100,000 households by 2022.