Nestlé and Danimer Scientific to develop biodegradable bottles

Nestlé has partnered with Danimer Scientific, a leading developer and manufacturer of biodegradable plastic products, to develop new biodegradable water bottles.

The two companies will work together to design and manufacture bio-based resins for Nestlé’s water business using Danimer Scientific’s PHA polymer Nodax.

In 2018, the University of Georgia, US, confirmed in a study that Nodax is an effective biodegradable alternative to petrochemical plastics.

PepsiCo, an existing partner of Danimer, may also gain access to the resins developed through this partnership as part of the agreement.

Nestlé claims that the partnership will accelerate the company’s efforts to make 100% of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025, which the company further bolstered by making a series of new sustainability pledges earlier today.

Stefan Palzer, chief technology officer for Nestlé said: “Strategic innovation partnerships play a key role for Nestlé as we make progress in improving the sustainability of our packaging.

“In order to effectively address the plastic issue in various markets, we need a wide range of technological solutions, including new paper materials and biodegradable polymers which can also be recycled.”

Maurizio Patarnello, CEO of Nestlé Waters added: “Nestlé Waters is committed to addressing the growing global plastic waste packaging issue.

“A biodegradable bottle, which is also recyclable, can help improve the environmental impact of our business in countries without collection and recycling systems.”

Last year, Nestlé announced its commitment to make 100% of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025, aiming to eventually create a circular packaging economy where no packaging ends up as waste.

To achieve this, Nestlé has implemented a range of initiatives, including the creation of the Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences, which aims to accelerate the development of functional, safe and environmentally- friendly packaging solutions.