Nestlé and Tsinghua x-lab launch joint innovation challenge for packaging sustainability

Nestlé Research and Development (R&D) China announced an open innovation challenge in collaboration with Tsinghua x-lab based in Beijing, China. The challenge is expected to drive impact by leveraging China’s extensive capacity for innovation, while providing a platform for the development of potential solutions to address packaging sustainability locally.

To engage with China’s academic community, Nestlé partnered with Tsinghua x-lab, a Tsinghua University education platform which is designed to foster student creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. During the challenge, 30 students and faculty members will enter a 5-month acceleration program to identify new solutions for product packaging and business models across four areas: recyclable or reusable, e-commerce, gifting, as well as consumer education and engagement. The teams will have access to Nestlé’s R&D expertise and infrastructure at the R&D center in Beijing, including labs and prototyping facilities.

The challenge will end with a final event, where teams will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges that will include executives from Nestlé, Tsinghua University professionals and industry experts. The top three compelling ideas will be awarded prizes and the opportunity to further develop their concept in partnership with Nestlé.

“We are focused on strengthening collaborations with local universities to enable the innovation of products that meet local consumer demands,” said Chris Pipe, head of Nestlé R&D China. “We are excited to bring together the experience and expertise of both Nestlé R&D and Tsinghua x-lab, to accelerate the discovery of packaging solutions in line with Nestlé’s commitment to make our packaging 100% recyclable or reusable by 2025.”

For more information, visit www.nestle.com.