Nestlé believes that it is possible to develop a collection system for flexible plastics, but this process requires an integrated and collaborative approach between industry, authorities and consumers. The development of local infrastructure in the centralized separate collection system, as well as alternative systems e.g. RetuRO, which has been successfully implemented for beverage packaging, demonstrates that a well-structured system, supported by an appropriate legislative framework, can bring significant results in terms of collection and recycling of packaging waste.
To develop a system that also works for flexible plastic, several essential steps are needed. First, the creation of a clear legislative framework that supports the collection and recycling of these materials and then the development of the collection infrastructure through partnerships between the private sector, collectors, recyclers, OIREP-type responsibility transfer organizations and public administration, coupled with education and information campaigns to raise awareness among consumers and facilitate correct separate collection. To these would be added investments in the actual processing, washing and recycling technology to ensure the reuse of flexible plastic in the economy, as well as supporting the creation of a market for this type of recycling and increasing the demand for flexible plastic packaging waste.
“Nestlé is committed to contributing to a more sustainable future, and reducing the impact of packaging on the environment is a strategic priority. Polyethylene and other flexible plastic packaging are essential materials for the protection of our products, ensuring food safety, but also a challenge in terms of mass collection and recycling. We have made massive investments at group level to simplify multi-layer plastic packaging and transition to other types of environmentally friendly packaging (such as paper), but the problem of lack of recycling capacity and adequate separate collection infrastructure remains an issue that needs to be addressed. Until then, Nestlé Romania has been actively involved in promoting selective collection through consumer information and education campaigns, collaborations with authorities, retailers, NGOs and industry partners”, explains Irina Siminenco, Corporate Affairs Manager, Nestlé Romania.
Nestlé has noticed an increased interest among the population in the selective collection of polyethylene packaging or other types of flexible plastic used mainly in the food industry, attention that is necessary in the context of the constant increase in recycling targets and the development of the return guarantee system.
Over the years, the company has developed multiple campaigns aimed at raising awareness of the importance of selective collection of flexible plastic packaging. This has included information actions, strategic partnerships with retailers and local authorities, as well as the installation of collection points in key locations. One of the main lessons of the campaigns carried out is that the success of such an initiative depends on a joint effort – consumer education must be supported by efficient collection infrastructures and an appropriate legislative framework.
Flexible plastic packaging, when not collected and recycled properly, can have a significant impact on the environment. It frequently ends up in landfills, where it degrades very slowly, contributing to soil and water pollution. Also, in the absence of effective collection systems, these materials can end up in nature, affecting ecosystems and biodiversity. In this context, consumer education and the development of effective recycling solutions are essential to reduce the environmental footprint of these packaging. Nestlé takes an active role in this process, investing in sustainable solutions and collaborating with relevant partners to create a functional and efficient separate collection and recycling system.
For 2025, Nestlé Romania aims to expand selective collection initiatives and implement innovative solutions for recycling its packaging. Among the main strategic directions are increasing the accessibility of collection points, so that more consumers can recycle correctly, respectively launching broader education campaigns focused on the importance of separate collection and recycling, as well as exploring sustainable alternatives to flexible plastic, in line with Nestlé’s commitment to reduce the use of virgin plastic.
