Nestlé Nigeria is taking a pioneering step in supply chain sustainability across Africa by reintroducing its Pure Life bottles with 50% rPET (recycled polyethene terephthalate). The move will significantly reduce the use of virgin plastics in its packaging.
It comes as part of Nestlé’s commitment to achieving 100% recyclable or reusable packaging globally by 2025. Even as Nestle Nigeria aims to increase the volume of rPET used across its brands to 50%.
The use of rPET in water bottles aligns with Nestlé’s commitment to a safe environment. But, it also addresses the growing global concern about plastic pollution. Presenting these environmentally friendly bottles to the public will mark a significant milestone in the company’s journey toward plastics circularity in Nigeria.
The new bottles are a proactive response to the challenging business and supply chain climate in Nigeria. Sustainability has always been cheaper for any supply chain operations. With this move, Nestle can expose more businesses in Nigeria and Africa to that reality.
That will definitely come in handy even as more companies are scaling down businesses and supply chain operations.
Nestlé Nigeria’s move to rPET for its plastics is not only a business decision but a commitment to becoming a beacon of sustainability in Africa. However, it also gives the company an opportunity to stay ahead in the continent’s food and beverage industry.
“Nestlé Nigeria PLC, has emphasized dedication to environmental responsibility since 2018”, said Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, the MD/CEO.
Nestle Nigeria’s partnership with ALEF Recycling Company
The company has actively partnered with organizations to recover as much plastic as it sells, following a “one tonne in, one tonne out” principle. One of such organizations is ALEF Recycling Company. The collaboration with ALEF Recycling Company highlights Nestlé Nigeria’s commitment to working with reliable suppliers to achieve its sustainability goals.
However, despite the success, the collaboration is not over yet. The company still has ambitions to cut virgin plastic in Nestlé’s packaging by a third in 2025.
Achieving this will be particularly significant. Especially in light of Nestlé’s effort to develop functional collection, sorting, and recycling systems for PET in Nigeria. You can also expect a broader ecosystem for recycling by the company in the near future.
Impact of Nestle Nigeria’s introduction of rPET
Joy Abdulahi-Johnson, the Category and Marketing Manager for Nestlé Waters, emphasized that achieving 50% rPET in Nestlé Pure Life bottles aligns with the brand’s purpose. The launch of the rPET bottle coincides with the introduction of Nestlé Pure Life’s new global identity. An important pointer to the brand’s commitment to positive evolution.
As Nestlé Nigeria leads the way in incorporating rPET in its water bottles, the impact on its business and supply chain will be notable. The company’s dedication to sustainability and reduced environmental impact demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that may set industry standards.
Hopefully, this will inspire other companies to follow suit in the quest for a more sustainable future, even if the motivator is financial.
Obinabo Tochukwu Tabansi is a supply chain mastro and writer with a decade of experience working in different facets of the supply chain. Today he is living his passion for writing on all things supply chain. His blog, Supply Chain Nuggets, is Africa’s fastest-rising supply chain blog, helping professionals, business owners, and curious minds navigate the supply chain complexities on the continent.
