Nestlé & IBM: Can Generative AI Make Packaging Sustainable?
Nestlé's R&D department is partnering with IBM Research to explore the potential of artificial intelligence and deep technology for packaging.
This collaboration focusses on developing advanced tools designed to change packaging materials to be more sustainable.
The core of this initiative is a Generative AI tool trained to identify new high-barrier packaging materials.
These materials are crucial for maintaining product integrity against environmental factors like moisture, oxygen and temperature fluctuations.
Alessandro Curioni, IBM Research VP Europe & Africa, says: "We do believe that Generative AI will continue to disrupt scientific discovery, impacting the core business of all knowledge-based industries, allowing critical differentiation and sustainable growth."
Nestlé says it is committed to reducing the use of virgin plastic and leading the way in using alternative materials and novel technologies while moving to recyclable mono-material and paper-based solutions.
The journey of discovering new packaging materials that fulfil both functional and safety requirements is complex, often demanding extensive research and development efforts.
Machine learning for innovation
The collaboration between Nestlé and IBM involves using AI-driven techniques to amass a comprehensive database of known materials sourced from public and proprietary documents.
The goal is to fine-tune a chemical language model tailored to understand and predict the molecular structures and properties of potential packaging materials.
By training this model, researchers can establish connections between molecular features and the physical-chemical properties of materials.
The model provides insights into new high-barrier packaging materials, catering to products sensitive to environmental factors.
Nestlé plans to employ this technology to identify future packaging materials, giving consideration to cost-effectiveness, recyclability and functionality.
Stefan Palzer, Nestlé's Chief Technology Officer, says: "This novel AI-powered language model, developed in collaboration with IBM Research, illustrates how Nestlé is leading the digital transformation within the food and beverage industry.
"In the future, such breakthrough technology could be used to optimise the development of more sustainable packaging solutions across product categories."
Streamlining operations with technology
Beyond packaging, Nestlé is leveraging technological capabilities across its operations.
By incorporating AI, machine learning, data analytics and automation, the company is looking to redefine multiple operational areas to support efficiency and sustainability.
Nestlé's advanced algorithmic tools can support recipe development by balancing multiple factors such as ingredient quality, nutritional value, cost and environmental impact without compromising consumer satisfaction.
Additionally, Nestlé employs digital modelling technology to create virtual replicas of manufacturing equipment and production workflows, enabling process optimisation and efficiency improvements.
Nestlé has also established a dedicated research and development facility focused on emerging technologies, representing an industry first for food and nutrition companies.
This specialised centre will evaluate, validate and advance next-generation technological solutions including advanced sensor systems, robotic applications, sophisticated coding frameworks, high-performance artificial intelligence platforms and immersive virtual and mixed reality technologies.
The facility aims to enhance operational efficiency across research, product development and manufacturing functions.
