Maggi has broken new ground by becoming the first major brand to use recyclable paper packaging to wrap individual bouillon cubes, for its organic range in France. This is the latest result of an innovation drive to use more paper packaging for Nestlé products.

The new solution is a coated paper that is recyclable through the paper stream in France. Until now, the bouillon cubes have been wrapped in a multi-layer laminate that includes aluminum.

Agnes Lalanne, Global Category Lead for Cooking Aids at Nestlé, said: “We want to provide both healthy and more sustainable options. That’s why we’re happy to bring recyclable paper packaging to a favorite like these Maggi organic bouillon cubes.”

The paper used for the wrapper is from sustainable sources – pulp and paper mills certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and The Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification – and its development marks another step in Nestlé’s commitment to make all its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025, as the company works towards a waste-free future.

Torsten Pohl, Head of Nestlé’s Product Technology Center for Food in Singen, Germany, said: “The main challenge our team faced was the creation of a foldable, sealable material that is robust enough to provide a sufficient barrier – to keep the product fresh and safe – whilst also being readily recyclable.”

Ahead of the launch, the team also worked to refurbish and upgrade existing packaging machines, to allow the new paper wrapping to run on them.

Maggi products – including bouillons, soups, seasonings and sauces – are sold in over 90 countries. Nestlé selects local ingredients where possible to ensure that its bouillon cubes provide an authentic taste and texture, consistent with regional preferences and cooking styles. The cubes are fortified with vital micronutrient in some markets, for example where iron deficiency is widespread.