Speaker Interview
Mark Davies
Vice President Société
des Produits Nestlé
Nestlé
Mark has worked for Nestlé for 30 years in a variety of Commercial and General Management positions, starting his career in the UK and working in the Middle East, Central Europe, Russia and China. He currently is based at the Global HQ in a strategic role. Mark has a wealth of experience with global Confectionery Nestle brands such as KITKAT and SMARTIES as well as many local brands like TOLL HOUSE in the USA and GAROTO in Brazil. Mark has been deeply instrumental in delivering Nestle’s commitment that 100% of its packaging is recyclable or reusable by 2025.
How do you describe sustainability in your company (what is important, are there targets/milestones for the next years that should be reached, etc.)?
Sustainability is at the core of how Nestlé does business and is an integral part of and contributes to our values. With regards to packaging in April 2018, Nestlé announced its ambition to make 100% of its packaging recyclable or re-usable by 2025. Our vision is that none of our packaging, including plastics, ends up in landfill or as litter.
How does consumer engagement trend drive innovation?
Expectations from consumers always drive change, the events of the last year have acted as an accelerant. The environment and the climate in particular have been brought into focus; consumers are demanding brands to do more rather than just to say they are doing. They expect to see those activities in the packaging and the product as well as the supply chain and manufacturing.
What are your predictions for the future of the smart packaging industry in the next 3-5 years?
Brands will have to use recyclable packaging and will be penalised by retailers and consumers if they don’t. More paper – but it’s not the whole answer and in many cases, it’s impossible or impractical. Expect to see reusable/refill business models arise especially in categories where branding, premiumness and added value can be assured. Expect to see much more recycled material which in the food industry will be challenging.