Nestlé is piloting reusable and refillable dispensers for soluble coffee as part of its efforts to reduce single-use packaging.
Consumers can bring reusable containers to purchase different types of Nescafé soluble coffee. They can also digitally access product information that is typically found on packaging, such as ingredients, nutritional values, and shelf life.
Working in collaboration with the start-up Miwa, Nestlé recently piloted the reusable and refillable dispensers in three Nestlé shops located in Rorschach, Orbe and La Tour-de-Peilz, Switzerland. During a four-month trial period, Nestlé says the dispensers were well received by consumers. To further assess the dispensers’ effectiveness in preventing packaging waste along the supply chain, the dispensers are now being rolled out across more locations in the next few months.
“Packaging plays a key role in maintaining food safety during a product’s shelf life. This means that whenever new packaging systems are explored we need to ensure that our products can be delivered to consumers in a safe and hygienic manner,” Hélène Lanctuit, R&D Packaging Lead at Nestlé, says.
“These dispensers are novel because they incorporate smart technology which allows us to ensure product safety, and also guarantee the freshness and traceability of our products.”
Nestlé says the development of alternative delivery systems such as bulk, reuse, and refill options are a key focus area for it across several product categories. Similar dispensers will be piloted for its Petcare pet food. Additionally, mini dispensers for Nescafé and Milo are available for the out-of-home segment in many countries around the world.
These systems are part of Nestlé’s broader set of actions to reduce single-use packaging. Building on its commitment to make 100 per cent of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025, Nestlé announced plans to reduce the use of virgin plastics by one third during the same time period.
“As part of Nescafé’s packaging transformation journey, we have been working hard to rethink how we design our packaging for better environmental impact,” Philipp Navratil, Global Head of Beverage Strategic Business Unit at Nestlé, Senior Vice-President, says.
“We are excited to work on a refilling option made possible by our in-store dispensing system for our consumers who want to enjoy their Nescafé experience at home.”