Nestlé & IBM use AI to Transform Packaging in Manufacturing
Nestlé and IBM Research are using Gen AI to identify new packaging solutions that meet food safety, quality and sustainability requirements in manufacturing and production operations.
Nestlé is collaborating with IBM Research to develop tools that apply AI and deep tech to packaging innovation.
The partnership has already delivered a Gen AI system capable of identifying new, high-barrier packaging materials designed to improve product protection.
Alessandro Curioni, Vice President Europe & Africa at IBM Research, says: "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."
Nestlé continues to focus on cutting virgin plastic use and scaling up recyclable mono-material and paper-based alternatives in its production processes.
The challenge is finding materials that meet food safety and performance requirements across a wide product range, a process that normally demands years of detailed research and testing.
Advanced AI accelerates material discovery
The Nestlé and IBM Research teams are using machine learning to identify packaging materials that can meet multiple demands.
By using AI models trained on both public and proprietary materials data, they are building a comprehensive knowledge base. This is drawn from scientific literature and internal documentation that contains data about material properties and structural characteristics.
Researchers then adapt a chemical language model to understand molecular patterns. In simple terms, this model learns how different molecular structures relate to physical and chemical characteristics.
With this information, IBM Research has developed a tool called a regression transformer, designed to analyse the connections between molecular structures and their physical performance.
Using this model, the system can propose high-barrier materials with properties optimised for protection against moisture, oxygen and changes in temperature. These are key factors in ensuring product shelf life and quality.
Nestlé aims to apply this model in the search for packaging materials that meet three core requirements: functionality, recyclability and cost-effectiveness.
Stefan Palzer, Chief Technology Officer at Nestlé, says: "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.
âIn the future, such breakthrough technology could be used to optimise the development of more sustainable packaging solutions across product categories."
Digital tools reshape production and development
Alongside packaging innovation, Nestlé continues to integrate AI, automation and data analytics across its operations. These digital technologies are being deployed to enhance manufacturing efficiency, product design and nutritional services.
NestlĂ©âs algorithmic tools now support product development teams in balancing a range of formulation variables, including ingredient makeup, nutritional value, cost and environmental impact.
These digital tools ensure product performance and consumer satisfaction are maintained even as the company adjusts recipes to meet sustainability and cost targets.
In manufacturing, digital twin technology is being used to replicate factory equipment and process flows virtually.
These digital models allow engineering teams to simulate adjustments and identify efficiency gains before implementing changes on the production line. It also reduces downtime and increases speed in troubleshooting or adapting equipment for new product formats.
In nutrition services, Nestlé has deployed personalised digital platforms that deliver dietary guidance tailored to individual needs. These tools are used across both human and pet nutrition businesses and rely on consumer data combined with predictive algorithms.
R&D investment supports next-gen manufacturing
Nestlé has expanded its innovation infrastructure with the launch of a dedicated facility focused on new and emerging technologies. This centre is positioned as the first of its kind in the food and nutrition sector and is tasked with evaluating high-tech solutions for broad operational use.
The unit will test and refine a wide array of advanced technologies, including sensor systems that can collect and process environmental or production data in real time, robotic systems designed to automate complex manufacturing tasks, and custom-built coding frameworks tailored for high-volume data environments.
Artificial intelligence remains a core focus, particularly in areas requiring high-performance computing.
The facility will also explore virtual and mixed reality applications, used to support training, remote collaboration and equipment diagnostics.
These technologies are intended to support efficiency improvements across research, development and manufacturing teams. The goal is to ensure the business can maintain product quality and safety while adapting to new packaging technologies and shifting production needs.
