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.