NWNA invests in start-up Timeplast to explore alternative plastic technologies

Nestlé Waters North America (NWNA) has invested in Timeplast, a Florida-based start-up that has developed a patented additive that can reportedly speed up plastic degradation to address the issue of packaging waste.

According to Timeplast, the patented additive can break down the strong carbon bonds present in plastic packaging until the plastic has transformed into paraffin wax, a colourless, biodegradable jelly.

The speed of degradation is reportedly determined by the amount of additive a company uses in the manufacturing process.

As part of the investment in Timeplast, NWNA will provide financing and additional support to evaluate the viability of the technology, combining NWNA’s safety, quality and performance standards for food-grade packaging with Timeplast’s technology.

A limited liability company, TPN Alliance Polymers LLC, has been established following the investment.

NWNA states that the investment forms part of its efforts to identify sustainable packaging solutions that address plastic pollution levels. The company’s Poland Spring bottled water brand announced a collaboration with the University of Maine and its Forest Bioproducts Research Institute earlier this year, which aims to evaluate and develop bio-based solutions that could serve as alternative packaging for Poland Spring products.

Meanwhile, NWNA announced that its Ozarka, Deer Park and Zephyrhills US water brands would convert their packaging to 100% recycled plastic (rPET) earlier this year, with the company claiming that it had doubled the amount of rPET used across its US domestic portfolio 16.5%.

David Tulauskas, vice-president and chief sustainability officer at Nestlé Waters North America, said: “For more than five years, we’ve brought to market an increasing number of bottles made with other bottles and launched campaigns to inspire consumers to recycle their bottles helping to drive toward a circular economy.

“As we make progress toward a zero-waste future, we’re enthusiastic to build on our work by exploring alternative technologies such as those presented by Timeplast.”

Manuel Rendon, CEO at Timeplast, added: “I knew a strategic partnership would be critical to further develop a solution that both addresses plastic pollution while maintaining compatibility with the existing recycling system.

“With Nestlé Waters’ packaging and recycling expertise, we are excited to continue testing the capabilities of a technology that we will work together to bring to market. This is a stepping stone of our company’s big plan to a world where all plastics are transformed based on their expected use.”