Case Studies

Client: Quadpack Industries

Challenge: Quadpack Industries, a leading packaging manufacturer, sought to explore environmentally responsible packaging options for their clients in the beauty industry. They recognized the need to adopt sustainable packaging materials and formats while maintaining product quality and appeal.

Solution: Quadpack partnered with PIQET, a premier LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) software provider, to conduct a comprehensive analysis of potential packaging materials and their environmental impacts. The objective was to identify sustainable alternatives that would benefit brands, consumers, and the environment.

Process:

• Data Collection: PIQET gathered data on various packaging materials, including traditional options and emerging sustainable alternatives.

• Life Cycle Assessment: The PIQET software was employed to perform a detailed Life Cycle Assessment, evaluating each material's environmental footprint throughout its lifecycle.

• Environmental Impact Identification: The LCA results provided valuable insights into the environmental impacts of different packaging materials, including wood, and their potential benefits.

• Results: PIQET's LCA analysis revealed that wood-based packaging presented a compelling sustainable option for Quadpack's clients in the beauty industry. The findings indicated that using wood not only reduced the environmental impact but also aligned with consumer preferences for eco-friendly packaging.

Benefits:

• Sustainability: Quadpack could now offer clients a sustainable packaging option, reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to environmental conservation.

• Consumer Appeal: Wood-based packaging resonated with environmentally conscious consumers, enhancing brand image and loyalty.

• Data-Driven Decision-Making: PIQET's LCA software enabled Quadpack to make informed, evidence-based decisions about packaging materials, ensuring alignment with sustainability goals.

Conclusion: Through the collaboration with PIQET and the use of LCA software, Quadpack Industries successfully identified and embraced sustainable packaging formats. This case study exemplifies how data-driven insights can drive positive change in the packaging industry, benefiting brands, consumers, and the environment alike.

For today’s consumers, refreshing, ready-to-enjoy drinks are part of an active lifestyle – whether at home, work or play. Going beyond quality, convenience, and healthy refreshment, Nestlé strives to ensure that all packaging – including drinks packaging – respects the environment. In 2009, Nestlé was able to save 58 995 tonnes of packaging material (paper, board, plastic, glass, metal) through its efforts.

Our approach includes many steps and improvements such as:

• commissioning scientific Life Cycle Assessments to understand areas of biggest environmental impact throughout a product’s lifecycle including packaging

• working with leading packaging experts to uncover new packaging options

• reducing the weight and volume of packaging materials

• using recycled material in packaging content wherever feasible

• leading in the development and use of packaging materials made from sustainably-managed renewable resources

• supporting local packaging recycling and energy recovery programs

• helping consumers understand and take action to recycle more packaging

In addition, we are globally rolling out PIQET (Packaging Impact Quick Evaluation Tool) developed by the Sustainable Packaging Alliance of Australia to support decision-making on different packaging materials. PIQET helps us assess packaging options against environmental impact such as climate change, energy and water use, and solid waste.

To learn more about these and other actions Nestlé is taking on environmental sustainability, view Nestlé Policy on Environmental Sustainability (pdf, 349 Kb) and visit Water and Environmental Sustainability.

Using PIQET to improve food packaging sustainability for global humanitarian aid
Client: World Food Programme (WFP)

Challenge:
The World Food Programme, the food assistance branch of the United Nations, is the world’s largest humanitarian organisation focused on hunger and food security. With its massive global supply chain, WFP recognised that packaging played a significant role in its overall environmental impact. The challenge was to identify packaging options that maintained food safety and durability while reducing environmental harm across WFP’s operations.

Solution:
WFP partnered with PIQET to conduct a streamlined Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of its food packaging. The goal was to assess the environmental footprint of commonly used packaging types and identify more sustainable alternatives. This work aligned with WFP’s wider commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to greener supply chains.

Process:

• Data Collection: Packaging data was gathered from WFP’s major food categories including rice, split peas, vegetable oil, and high-energy biscuits. This included specifications on packaging materials, weights, transport logistics, and disposal methods in both emergency and non-emergency contexts.

• Life Cycle Assessment: Using PIQET’s LCA tool, WFP analysed the environmental impacts of each packaging format. The assessment covered the full lifecycle, from raw material extraction through production, distribution, and end-of-life scenarios.

• Scenario Analysis: The PIQET software allowed WFP to model and compare different packaging alternatives, such as changing material composition, reducing packaging weight, and shifting from multi-layer plastics to recyclable mono-materials.

• Results: The LCA revealed that packaging contributed significantly to overall environmental impact—sometimes more than the food product itself. However, small design changes could deliver meaningful reductions. For instance, replacing aluminium foil with recyclable mono-materials, or optimising packaging-to-product ratios, showed clear environmental benefits.

Benefits:

• Sustainability: WFP gained clarity on which packaging materials were most impactful and how to reduce emissions and waste across its global operations.

• Operational Efficiency: Streamlined packaging designs helped improve transport efficiency and reduce material use, aligning with both environmental and logistical goals.

• Strategic Decision-Making: PIQET’s analysis provided WFP with data-driven insights to guide procurement, design, and policy decisions—supporting its mission to deliver food assistance sustainably.

Conclusion:
Through the use of PIQET’s LCA software, the World Food Programme was able to identify actionable improvements to its food packaging, reducing environmental impacts without compromising food safety. This case study demonstrates how streamlined LCA can help large-scale organisations like WFP make smarter, greener packaging decisions—supporting both humanitarian and environmental objectives.