• IBM Research and Nestlé R&D have co-developed an AI-powered tool to identify novel, high-barrier packaging materials that enhance product protection and sustainability.
• The technology uses a custom-trained chemical language model and regression transformer to design materials that meet safety, functionality, cost, and recyclability criteria.
• Nestlé will integrate this innovation into its packaging pipeline, alongside broader AI applications in recipe optimization, manufacturing efficiency, and personalized nutrition.

IBM Research and Nestlé R&D have partnered to leverage artificial intelligence and deep tech to accelerate the discovery of sustainable packaging solutions. The collaboration has produced a generative AI tool capable of identifying new high-barrier packaging materials that protect products from moisture, oxygen, and temperature fluctuations.

The process began with AI-based data processing to build a knowledge base of materials from public and proprietary sources. Scientists fine-tuned a fit-for-purpose chemical language model to understand molecular structures, then used IBM Research’s regression transformer to link structural features with physical-chemical properties. The resulting model can now generate entirely new packaging concepts for evaluation.

Nestlé Chief Technology Officer Stefan Palzer said: “This novel AI-powered language model, developed in collaboration with IBM Research, illustrates how Nestlé is leading the digital transformation within the food and beverage industry. In the future, such breakthrough technology could be used to optimize the development of more sustainable packaging solutions across product categories.”

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Alessandro Curioni, IBM Research VP Europe & Africa, added: “We do believe that Generative AI will continue to disrupt scientific discovery, impacting the core business of all knowledge-based industries, allowing critical differentiation and sustainable growth.”

Nestlé’s broader AI strategy includes tools for recipe optimization that balance nutrition, cost, and sustainability; digital twins to improve manufacturing efficiency; and personalized nutrition solutions for people and pets. The company recently launched a first-of-its-kind deep tech R&D center for the food and nutrition sector, designed to explore advanced sensors, robotics, coding systems, AI, and mixed reality to drive innovation and operational excellence.

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