How Nestlé and IBM are Making Packaging More Sustainable
Nestlé R&D partners with IBM Research to revolutionise packaging material discovery.
This ground-breaking collaboration focuses on leveraging AI and advanced tech to bring innovative packaging solutions to life. A key outcome of this partnership is the creation of a Generative AI tool designed to identify novel high-barrier materials for packaging.
Alessandro Curioni, IBM Research Vice President Europe & Africa, says: "We do believe that Generative AI will continue to disrupt scientific discovery, impacting the core business of all knowledge-based industries, allowing critical differentiation and sustainable growth."
Nestlé pledges to cut down on virgin plastic usage and spearhead advancements in alternative materials and innovative technologies, while transitioning towards recyclable mono-material and paper-based solutions.
Discovering packaging materials that satisfy product specifications for function, safety and quality often demands extensive research and meticulous work over several years.
AI-powered machine learning accelerates material innovation
Scientists from both companies utilise AI-driven techniques to develop a comprehensive knowledge base of recognised materials, sourced from both public and proprietary documents.
By doing so, a customised chemical language model is trained on this curated information, enabling it to understand molecular structures.
This knowledge assists IBM Research in employing their innovative regression transformer, understanding the relationships between key molecular features and their resultant physical-chemical attributes.
This model leads to potential new high-barrier packaging options, capable of protecting delicate products from environmental factors such as moisture, temperature variations and oxygen. Nestlé is set to leverage this solution to discover future packaging alternatives, considering elements like cost, recyclability and functionality.
Stefan Palzer, Nestlé Chief Technology Officer, adds: "This novel AI-powered language model, developed in collaboration with IBM Research, illustrates how Nestlé is leading the digital transformation within the food and beverage industry. In the future, such breakthrough technology could be used to optimise the development of more sustainable packaging solutions across product categories."
Digital transformation fuels operational excellence
Nestlé continues to expand technological capacity by integrating strategic AI, machine learning, data analytics and automation across diverse operational realms.
Through advanced algorithmic tools for recipe creation, product teams navigate factors such as ingredient composition, nutritional values, cost constraints and environmental impact while preserving consumer satisfaction.
Nestlé employs digital modelling to create virtual simulations of manufacturing equipment and production processes, facilitating process optimisation and efficiency enhancements.
Additionally, the company implements digital platforms for customised nutritional guidance for both human and pet consumers.
Next-generation tech centre: A new era for Nestlé
In a notable advancement of its innovation network, Nestlé launches a devoted research and development centre focused on emerging technologies - a first in the food and nutrition sector.
This centre will scrutinise, authenticate and develop cutting-edge technological solutions, incorporating advanced sensor systems, robotic applications, intricate coding structures and high-performance AI platforms.
This facility undertakes the mission of improving operational efficiency within research, product development and manufacturing operations, ushering a new era of technological integration within the company.
