Nestlé International Travel Retail (NITR) has expressed its pride after Smarties became the first confectionery brand to achieve the five-star ‘Sustainability Hero’ accolade during Travel Retail Sustainability Week’s (19-23 April) innovative pitch programme.

NITR received the accolade during this publication’s ground-breaking and highly successful Travel Retail Sustainability Week event for the investment and commitment resulting in Smarties using recyclable paper packaging for all travel retail products.

Smarties is the first global confectionery brand to switch to recyclable paper packaging, making this one of Nestlé’s key sustainable packaging initiatives in the confectionery category. This is a further milestone in the company’s ambition to make all its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025.

Having reviewed the NITR Smarties Pitch during the first pitch session on 20 April, judges discovered how Nestlé has invested in new packaging processes and materials to achieve its packaging goals.

The pitch also highlighted the Nestlé Cocoa Plan which has been building a more responsible supply chain for cocoa. Better farming and better lives for those involved is a key element.

COMMITTED TO THE CAUSE

Nestlé is committed to sourcing 100% of its cocoa through this plan, while all current travel retail confectionery products now carry the Cocoa plan logo.

[Click the below video to watch the first Sustainability Pitch session at Travel Retail Sustainability Week on 20 April]

In considering the Smarties Pitch and awarding the highest ‘Sustainability Hero’ status, judges described Nestlé’s investment as ‘a great change in process for the consumer and product’. They even went as far as calling it ‘a step change in the industry’.

Judges were impressed with the ‘clear message on the packaging that gives consumers a choice and prompts a change in thinking’. They also praised the sustainable Cocoa Plan which they suggested added significant value to the claim that Nestlé work and deliver change.

Stewart Dryburgh, General Manager, NITR said: “With this award, Smarties has achieved another industry first — not only the first travel retail confectionery brand to switch to recyclable paper packaging, but also the first to receive a Sustainable 5 Star Hero award.

“We’re delighted to have received this recognition. Our thanks also goes to Travel Retail Business for providing the industry with the means to demonstrate our sustainable commitments and goals.”

NITR was also represented during the Lead by example: Sustainable investments from industry leaders’ educational webinar session on Tuesday 20 April. 

Tamara Spada, Marketing Manager, NITR discussed the Smarties range moving to recyclable paper packaging this year and updated on packaging for the rest of the NITR lines.