Nestlé and IBM Partnership Makes Packaging More Sustainable

Nestlé R&D along with IBM Research will work together to create new tools which will harness the power of AI and deep tech to bring breakthrough innovations into reality. 

This research work has led to the development of a Gen AI tool which can uncover novel high-barrier packaging materials.

Alessandro Curioni, IBM Research VP 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 is committed to reducing the use of virgin plastic and leading the way in using alternative materials and novel technologies – while moving to recyclable mono-material and paper-based solutions.

Finding new packaging materials which meet each product's functional needs while ensuring food safety and quality is a meticulous process, with years of research often required.

Advanced machine learning accelerates innovation process

Both companies' scientists are using AI-based processing techniques to construct a knowledge base of known materials from both public and proprietary documents. The team then fine-tune a fit-for-purpose chemical language model on this curated corpus, allowing it to learn the representation of the molecular structures.

With that knowledge, the team can use the newly created regression transformer by IBM research to learn the links between key structural molecular features and the resulting physical-chemical properties.

The result: a model which can now offer brand new, high-barrier packaging materials which shield sensitive products from moisture, temperature swings and oxygen.

Nestlé will use this technology to find future packaging materials – considering cost, recyclability and functionality.

Stefan Palzer, Nestlé Chief Technology Officer, says: "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 innovation drives comprehensive operational excellence

Nestlé is advancing its technological capabilities through strategic deployment of AI, machine learning, data analytics and automation across multiple operational areas.

The company has created sophisticated algorithmic tools for recipe development that enable product teams to balance competing factors including ingredient composition, nutritional profiles, cost parameters and environmental impact whilst maintaining consumer appeal.

Additionally, Nestlé employs digital modelling technology to create virtual replicas of manufacturing equipment and production workflows, enabling process optimisation and efficiency improvements.

The company has also developed digital platforms that provide customised nutritional recommendations for both human and pet consumers.

In a significant expansion of its innovation infrastructure, Nestlé has established a dedicated research and development facility focused on emerging technologies, representing an industry first for food and nutrition companies. 

This specialised centre will evaluate, validate and advance next-generation technological solutions including advanced sensor systems, robotic applications, sophisticated coding frameworks, high-performance artificial intelligence platforms and immersive virtual and mixed reality technologies.

The facility aims to enhance operational efficiency across research, product development and manufacturing functions.