How Artificial Intelligence is Helping Nestlé Develop Packaging More Efficiently -- interpack 2026

In several areas that could be of interest to the packaging industry – like material selection, content production, and smart packaging solutions – the food company Nestlé is increasingly relying on artificial intelligence.

What used to take months is now happening faster and faster: with the help of an AI-powered platform – developed in collaboration with IBM Research and partners such as NVIDIA and Accenture – Nestlé is driving targeted material research for new and innovative packaging solutions. The self-learning software analyzes millions of scientific sources, patents, and databases to suggest promising material combinations that are functional and robust, recyclable and sustainable, and ready for the market. Barrier properties, temperature resistance, and environmental impact are systematically factored into the evaluation. For packaging developers at the company, this sustainable approach using generative AI technology means less trial and error and more targeted development, based on reliable data.

Advantages of AI: How can Digital Twins Make Packaging Design More Efficient?

In marketing, for example, Nestlé is already employing digital twins – 3D models of product packaging. These models can be quickly adapted to new markets, designs, or campaigns, without the need for time-consuming photo shoots, saving time and production costs. By 2027, the goal is to have over 10,000 digital packaging models in place, enabling faster responses in both marketing and product development.

A man and a woman are looking at a computer screen displaying a packaging design.

Nestlé aims to make the development of new packaging even more efficient.
Image: Nestlé

The company’s research is also experimenting with AI-powered QR codes on packaging to deliver personalized content such as recipes, product recommendations, or information on origin and nutritional value. These innovative “connected packaging” approaches enable direct interaction with end consumers while also opening up new opportunities for customer engagement in retail.

Boosting Efficiency Through AI: What Benefits Does This Approach Bring to the Packaging Industry?

For manufacturers, developers, and designers in the global packaging business, Nestlé’s advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) serve as a powerful indicator of what the future holds. As one of the world’s largest food producers, Nestlé is showcasing for the whole industry how AI can revolutionize key aspects of packaging development—from research and sustainability to consumer engagement and production efficiency.

Key takeaways for the packaging sector:

AI can accelerate material research: By leveraging intelligent algorithms and data analytics, companies can identify and test innovative packaging materials more quickly than ever before, dramatically reducing time-to-market and shortening innovation cycles.

Sustainability becomes data-driven: AI enables packaging developers to make environmentally responsible decisions based on hard data. Instead of relying on assumptions or intuition, design and material choices are guided by measurable impact factors such as recyclability, carbon footprint, and resource efficiency.

Communication becomes scalable – without losing relevance: With AI-powered tools and digital packaging assets, brands can deliver personalized, localized, and relevant content at scale. From QR codes to dynamic labeling, packaging becomes a direct channel to engage with consumers meaningfully and efficiently.

Through its pioneering use of AI, Nestlé is proving that advanced digital technologies can be seamlessly integrated into packaging workflows. The result: streamlined development processes, smarter sustainability strategies, and packaging that is more responsive to market and consumer needs.