Nestlé Research and Development (R&D) China opened an innovation challenge in collaboration with Tsinghua x-lab, Beijing, China, to leverage China’s extensive capacity for innovation, while providing a platform for the development of potential solutions to address packaging sustainability locally.

Tsinghua x-lab is a Tsinghua University education platform 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 recyclable or reusable, e-commerce, gifting and 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.

At the end, teams will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges, including executives from Nestlé, Tsinghua University professionals and industry experts. The Top 3 ideas will receive 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,” says 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.”