Packaging Happenings: Nestle packaging plans, Singapore Nutri-Grade labelling system, on-pack claim risks and more feature in our round-up

Sustainability amid volatility: Nestle Malaysia pushes energy, packaging and plant-based progress despite economic uncertainty​

Nestle Malaysia has vowed to continue its progress in environmental and business sustainability areas such as renewable energy, recyclable packaging and plant-based product innovation even amidst current global economic instability.

Nestle celebrated its 110^th​ anniversary in Malaysia in 2022 as its global headquarters announced positive growth in the company’s overall organic sales and profits, as well as significant progress in its ESG initiatives.

Too much sugar focus: ‘More measures’ needed for Singapore’s Nutri-Grade system to improve consumer diets – study​

A recent study conducted by Singaporean researchers on the government’s Nutri-Grade front-of-package (FOP) beverage labelling scheme has concluded that more work needs to be done for it to make a positive impact on consumer dietary and purchasing choices.

Singapore first announced the Nutri-Grade labelling scheme for sugar-sweetened pre-packaged beverages back in 2020, and this was finally officially enforced in the country in December 2022 after various delays attributed to COVID-19.

If labels could kill: Irresponsible on-pack claims tapping dietary trends poses health risk - Expert panel​

The irresponsible inclusion of prominent labels on food and beverage products to capitalise on current dietary trends and fads can pose immense health risks to consumers, especially if not backed up by proper research and data.

This was the conclusion of a panel of experts at the recent Gulfood 2023 event in Dubai, which convened Whole Earth Brands Director Rajnish Ohri, Kanira Founder and CEO Vishal Ramakrishnan and A Diabetic Chef Founder Harsh Kedia for this panel discussion dietary trends and health.

Recycle-ready and lifestyle-compatible: Changing consumer demands driving packaging innovation in APAC​

Brands in APAC should take into account the rising demand for product packaging that is convenient, responsible, and good for the environment to capture consumers’ attention, says a global packaging firm that has ramped up investment in China.

According to an Amcor survey involving 12,000 consumers in six countries, 76% of respondents said that they want to recycle more than they currently do.

Emerging new hope: Carlsberg Malaysia to bolster branding and premium portfolio as part of new 5-year strategy​

Carlsberg Malaysia has announced a continued focus on its premium portfolio as well as some strategic new branding will be major parts of its newly launched five-year business strategy to cope and grow amid recession and inflationary pressures.

Carlsberg Malaysia (covering the firm’s Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka operations) closed out the 2022 financial year with 36.1% growth in revenue from RM1.8bn (US$406.4mn) in FY2021 to RM2.4bn (US$541.9mn) this year; as well as 57.7% growth in net profit from RM201mn (US$45.4mn) in 2021 to RM317mn (US$71.6mn) this year.

The firm also announced the end of SAIL’22, the strategy that had tided it throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, transitioning over to a new five-year plan dubbed SAIL’27 which is expected to guide the company through the next five years to 2027.