Paper straws replace plastic in Nestlé’s Brazilian range, and beyond

Robert Stockdill

Robert Stockdill

Nestle

In Brazil, Nestlé has adopted paper straws across its single-serve, ready-to-drink beverage range – part of a global plan to reduce its use of single-use plastics and make all of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025. 

The initiative was led by the company’s local sustainability team, led by a sustainability analyst called Juliana. 

“When she saw the impacts of waste ending up in oceans and water streams, she channelled her sustainability passion into the project,” the company explains. 

Plastic straws have been replaced by recyclable paper ones on products including Nescau, Nesquik, Ninho, and Farinha Láctea. 

Juliana and the Brazil project team needed patience as the further they dug into the complexities of tackling every step involved in production to create this one small packaging change became clear. 

“The team had to make sure the packaging wouldn’t break down when it was moved or on store shelves, and the new design had to work well for families.”

The success of their research work is now being seen in other markets as well. In Colombia, the Nestlé team eliminated 10 million plastic straws and wrappers and in Malaysia and Indonesia, teams eliminated the use of 70 million plastic straws. In two years, Nestle has removed more than 1700 tons of plastic by eliminating plastic straws.

“The story of Juliana and her team is a testament to the power of local teams taking on global challenges,” explainsNestlé. “And the transition from plastic to paper doesn’t stop at straws.

“We launched recyclable paper-based packaging for products like Nesquik All Natural, Nama Orange ice cream, Nescafé ProSlim, outer bag packaging of multi-packs of KitKat in Japan, Maggi Bio bouillon cubes in France and Romania; and Smarties blocks, as well as paper straws for Nesquik, Nescau, Milo, and Nescafé. 

“With each brand’s packaging progress, behind-the-scenes there are teams like Juliana’s facing the challenges involved head-on, dedicated to building a sustainable roadmap.”

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Robert Stockdill

Robert Stockdill

Robert Stockdill is a content writer with more than 30 years of experience in five countries. His style has built upon award-winning success in news and features in the print media to leadership in digital communication, spanning news websites, social media, magazines, brochures, and contributing to books. Recognising the devastating impact of consumer behaviour on the planet and wanting to help make a difference Robert launched Viable.Earth as a platform to celebrate positive contributions by brands, companies and individuals towards reducing environmental impact and improve sustainability – especially in the fields of fashion, beauty, food, lifestyle, and transportation.

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