For immediate release
16 January 2020
Nestlé commits to virgin plastic reduction yet doubles down on recycling myth
Vevey, Switzerland – Nestlé has announced today that it will partly shift from virgin plastics to food grade recycled plastics. It also aims to accelerate the development of new packaging solutions. These commitments come ahead of the World Economic Forum that will take place in Davos between January 21st-24th.
In response to the news, Matthias Wüthrich Senior Campaigner at Greenpeace Switzerland said:
“It is encouraging that Nestlé has finally committed to reducing its reliance on virgin plastic and recognizes that its dependence on fossil fuel-derived plastic is contributing to climate change. Reducing single-use plastic should not mean that Nestlé turns to false solutions such as recycled content and material substitution. If Nestlé wants to stop polluting the world, it needs to end its reliance on plastic.
“Nestlé’s commitment to reduction is a good first step but it is crucial that the company embraces innovation and invests the US$2 billion towards new business models instead of just buying recycled plastics. Nestlé must prioritize reuse and eliminate single-use packaging altogether instead of doubling down on the recycling myth. Nestlé has an opportunity to show real leadership and we encourage the company to focus its efforts towards the elimination of all throwaway packaging.”
ENDS
Notes:
[1] Nestlé was one of the top corporate plastic polluters identified in a worldwide cleanup and brand audit effort conducted by the Break Free From Plastic coalition two years in a row. Full results here.
[2] Greenpeace Switzerland’s factsheet on Nestlé and plastic pollution is available here.
[3] Greenpeace International Executive Director Jennifer Morgan will be at the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos and is available for interviews.
Contacts:
Capucine Dayen, Greenpeace USA Global Comms Lead for Plastics: +33 647 971 819, [email protected]