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In 2022, Nestlé subtly changed its plastic packaging commitment, pledging to use plastic "designed for" recycling by 2025 instead of solely "recyclable" or reusable packaging. This rewording, though seemingly minor, results in 280,000 metric tons of additional non-recyclable plastic waste annually, equating to the weight of 30 Eiffel Towers. This shift underscores the difficulties multinational companies face in reducing virgin plastic use, exacerbated by rising raw material costs and investor pressure. In 2022, only 51 percent of Nestlé's packaging was recyclable, reusable or compostable, down from 55 percent in 2018. Despite this, Nestlé projects 63 percent recyclability for 2023 by adjusting their goals. The United Nations warns that global plastic waste, currently at 400 million tons annually, could triple by 2050, severely impacting health and the environment. Critics argue that companies need to invest in innovative, recyclable packaging and reduce their reliance on non-recyclable materials like multilayered plastic sachets. The ongoing struggle to meet sustainability pledges highlights the need for systemic changes, better recycling infrastructure, and global regulatory standards to effectively combat plastic pollution.
[Image Credit: © Nestlé ]