Removing, Reducing, and Improving our Packaging
A better tomorrow requires ambitious actions today. Our vision is that none of our packaging ends up in landfill or as litter as we work hard to help shape a waste-free future. Discover the actions Nestlé Confectionery has been taking to remove, reduce and improve our packaging.
Discover how Smarties®, Quality Street® And KitKat® are making a difference
Smarties® Smart Packaging
Since 2021, we’ve been using recyclable paper packaging across our Smarties® confectionery range, making it easier for you to play your part. All you need to do is dispose of the wrapper in your paper recycling bin.
At Nestlé, we’re committed to making sure all the paper we use for Smarties® packaging is responsibly sourced. Learn more about our sources here.
Quality Street® Recyclable Paper Wrappers
In 2022, we made a big change to our Quality Street® sweets. We swapped out the dual-layer foil and cellulose wrappers for recyclable paper packaging across all sweets except ‘Orange Crunch’ and the ‘Green Triangle’, which were already in recyclable foil wrappers.
It wasn’t an easy shift – we had to develop new materials, coating technologies, and printing techniques. But it was worth it! Thanks to this change, we've removed 2 billion individual pieces of packaging from our supply chain globally.
KitKat® Recycled Plastic Packaging
Also in 2022, KitKat® introduced wrappers made with 75% recycled plastic, based on the ISCC mass balance approach, for all our KitKat® 2-Finger products in the UK and Ireland. These wrappers can be recycled at more than 5,000 supermarkets across the UK and placed in household recycling in the Republic of Ireland.
In 2024, all KitKat® 4-Finger and Chunky products in the UK and Ireland also moved to 75% recycled plastic. This is the proportion of the wrapper that is the base plastic material (the other 25% is the inks that print the branding and other important information, and the material to help seal the packs to maintain quality and safety).
It's part of our effort to cut down on virgin plastic and make sure all our packaging is either recyclable or reusable.
More information on the mass balance approach can be found on the ISCC website.
Our Partnerships
Flexible Plastic Fund
We’re a founding member of the Flexible Plastic Fund (FPF), a cross-industry initiative dedicated to recycling flexible (soft) plastic packaging, including sachets and confectionery wrappers. FlexCollect began a trial to collect flexible plastic packaging in 2022. This has now expanded to 13 local authorities, covering over 200,000 households, and preparing for a national rollout no later than March 2027.
Keep Britain Tidy
We’re a proud sponsor of the Great British Spring Clean in partnership with Keep Britain Tidy. This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to ensuring that none of our packaging ends up as litter or in landfills. Together we can keep working towards a waste-free future.
How You Can Make a Difference Today
Great news! Did you know that if you’re currently unable to recycle our soft plastics – like wrappers and pouch bags – at home, you can recycle them in supermarkets across the country. Look out for recycling information on packs.
To find your nearest retailer location, simply put your postcode in the locator below to find a store near you.
For ROI packs visit mywaste.ie.
Explore the Brands Involved in the Packaging Initiatives
