Nestlé is partnering with IBM Research to harness the power of generative AI in developing sustainable food packaging. The collaboration focuses on creating advanced, high-barrier packaging materials, which protect products from environmental elements such as moisture and oxygen.
AI’s role in this project is to accelerate the material development process by analyzing molecular structures. IBM’s AI technology uses a sophisticated model that draws from a wealth of data, including proprietary and public documents, to identify new packaging materials with the ideal properties. This AI-powered system could significantly shorten the typically long research timeline for creating these sustainable solutions.
Nestlé’s broader sustainability initiatives include reducing virgin plastic use and advancing recyclable, mono-material and paper-based packaging alternatives. By employing this new AI-driven approach, the company aims to balance cost, functionality, and recyclability for future packaging.
The collaboration also complements Nestlé’s investment in a new deep tech research and development centre, which will focus on advancing sensors, robotics, and AI technologies to improve research capabilities.