Key Development

Nestlé is partnering with IBM Research to develop advanced packaging solutions using generative AI. The goal is to identify new materials that meet essential food safety standards while also supporting sustainability and production efficiency.

AI Accelerates Safe Packaging Innovation

Using a generative AI model trained on scientific literature and internal data, researchers are identifying packaging materials that offer strong protection against moisture, oxygen, and temperature variations. These factors are crucial in ensuring food safety, extending shelf life, and maintaining product quality. The AI tool rapidly analyses molecular structures and predicts how they affect a material’s physical performance. This allows Nestlé to test fewer physical prototypes while speeding up the discovery of recyclable, food-grade packaging alternatives.

Reducing Plastic and Improving Safety Standards

Nestlé is working to reduce its reliance on virgin plastics by scaling up recyclable mono-material and paper-based packaging. The AI system plays a key role in this shift by identifying materials that meet the company’s strict safety, functionality, and cost-effectiveness criteria. This approach replaces long, manual research cycles with faster, data-driven decisions—helping the company meet regulatory safety standards without compromising on performance.

Digital Tools Enhance Manufacturing and Food Quality

Beyond packaging, Nestlé uses digital tools such as digital twins and AI-driven formulation systems across its production lines. These technologies simulate equipment performance and optimise product development, allowing the company to maintain food quality while reducing downtime and waste. In addition, Nestlé’s R&D teams are testing advanced technologies like robotics, sensor systems, and real-time data platforms to strengthen quality control and improve safety monitoring during production.

Building a Future of Smarter, Safer Food Manufacturing

With a new facility dedicated to testing emerging technologies, Nestlé is investing in next-generation solutions that support food safety at scale. This includes tools for virtual diagnostics, remote monitoring, and predictive maintenance—ensuring the company can continue to innovate while protecting consumer health.

Source: Manufacturing Digital