Refillable Milo vending machines being trialled

As part of its efforts to explore novel solutions to eliminate the need for disposable packaging, Nestlé is piloting refillable vending machines for Milo and Koko Krunch in a four-to-six-month trial in Indonesia. The machines have been created in collaboration with startup Qyos by Algramo and will be available at two local retailers.

Containers will be available for purchase at the two locations, or consumers can bring their own. They will be able to access digital product information through a QR code, such as ingredients, nutritional value and shelf life.

Packaging experts from Nestlé R&D centres in Singapore and Switzerland worked in collaboration with the Nestlé team in Indonesia and the startup to develop the machines. They worked to ensure the systems could maintain product safety and freshness across the supply chain, taking local contexts into consideration, such as the climate conditions in Indonesia.

“We are actively exploring innovative, alternative delivery systems such as bulk, reuse and refill options across several product categories. By undertaking this second pilot for Milo and Koko Krunch, we’ll be able to gain new insights that can be applied to our products, as well further assess the refillable system’s effectiveness in preventing packaging waste along the supply chain,” said Gaelle de Mestral, Head of R&D Packaging at Nestlé.

In 2021, Nestlé piloted reusable and refillable containers for Milo, Dancow and Koko Krunch in South Jakarta. The products were available for purchase from tricycle carts fitted with refillable dispensing systems. Following valuable insights from that trial, the second phase is now underway.

Samer Chedid, President Director of Nestlé Indonesia, said the refillable system has been designed to support the development of sustainable packaging and contribute to environmental sustainability goals in Indonesia.

Collaboration across different sectors is key to addressing the issue of plastic waste. Nestlé is engaging with startups, suppliers and academic institutions to research and develop packaging materials and solutions. The work is being driven by the Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences and the global R&D network to evaluate the safety and functionality of sustainable packaging materials.

Nestle has run over 20 pilot tests for reuse and refill systems in 12 countries, including a recent pilot test for Nesquik reusable containers in Germany in collaboration with startups, local retailers and other partners.

Image credit: iStock.com/staticnak1983