Inside Nestlé's $2.5m investment into a sustainable future

With the aim of bolstering local manufacturing and supporting collaborative product developments, Nestlé Professional has revealed a $2.5 million investment in its Smithtown factory in NSW — starting with a recyclable Hot Chockee cup.

In partnership with 7-Eleven, Nestlé Professional has developed an entirely kerbside-recyclable cup, including the label and foil seal. This could save up to 95 t of waste from entering landfill each year.

Kristina Czepl, General Manager, Nestlé Professional Oceania, said, “The recent investment into Smithtown factory has allowed us to collaborate on exciting new packaging solutions, like the Hot Chockee cup. It is a great example of working with like-minded partners to pioneer alternative materials to facilitate better recycling.”

According to Czepl, the investment will see the Smithfield facility produce up to 4.7 million of these cups over the next 12 months.

Fiona Baxter, 7-Eleven Head of Sustainability, expressed her pride in the partnership with Nestlé Professional and the outcome of it.

“The cup is now recyclable via kerbside recycling services. All elements of the cup can be placed in kerbside mixed recycling. This innovation helps both Nestlé and 7-Eleven to continue to work together towards our packaging sustainability targets,” Baxter said.

Since 1921, the Nestlé Smithtown factory has operated as an integral part of Nestlé Professional’s Australian operations. It houses Aussie favourites such as Milo, Nesquik and Nestlé hot chocolate. The investment in the facility will enable Nestlé Professional and its partners to bolster product development in Australia.