Nestlé and IBM Research unveil a generative AI tool designed to accelerate the discovery of sustainable high-barrier food packaging materials.
Nestlé has partnered with IBM Research to create an artificial intelligence (AI) tool capable of designing new, sustainable high-barrier packaging materials that protect food and reduce waste.
The collaboration, led by Nestlé R&D and IBM scientists, aims to speed up the development of packaging solutions that meet strict performance, safety and environmental criteria.
The AI tool, which uses advanced chemical modelling and generative technology, has been trained to suggest novel material formulations that shield food and beverages from moisture, oxygen and temperature fluctuations — key contributors to spoilage.
The development addresses a longstanding challenge in the food industry: finding packaging materials that are not only functionally robust but also recyclable and cost-effective. Traditional research in this area can take years, but AI is now significantly shortening that process.
Stefan Palzer, Nestlé Chief Technology Officer, said:
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.”
To build the tool, Nestlé and IBM compiled a comprehensive database of known materials from both public and proprietary sources. Using AI-based processing techniques, the teams trained a chemical language model to understand molecular structures and their physical-chemical properties. IBM’s regression transformer model then analysed the relationship between molecular features and material performance, enabling the AI to suggest entirely new packaging compounds.
The global food brand aims to utilise this novel technology to identify future packaging materials, taking into account cost, recyclability and functionality
Alessandro Curioni, IBM Research VP Europe & Africa, added:
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.”
Embedding AI across its operations
Nestlé is embedding AI across its operations to drive innovation and manage complexity. The company has also developed an AI-powered recipe optimisation tool that helps product developers balance ingredients, nutrition, cost and sustainability. In manufacturing, they also use digital twins of equipment and production lines to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
Nestle’s sustainable food packaging project follows the company’s recent launch of a new deep tech R&D centre, described as a first for the food and nutrition sector. The facility will focus on high-performing AI, sensors, robotics and virtual/mixed reality, with the aim of accelerating innovation and streamlining operations.