IBM Research and Nestlé R&D are collaborating to develop a cutting-edge generative AI tool designed to recognize innovative high-barrier packaging materials in the food and beverage sector.
By leveraging AI-based processing techniques, Nestlé and IBM scientists established a comprehensive knowledge base of known materials drawn from both public and proprietary documents. The team meticulously fine-tuned a chemical language model specifically for this curated corpus. As a result, the model learned to represent the molecular structures effectively. Utilizing this foundational knowledge, the teams applied the newly developed regression transformer from IBM Research to analyze the correlation between essential structural molecular features and the corresponding physical-chemical properties. Through this approach, the model can now propose entirely new high-barrier packaging materials that effectively protect sensitive products from moisture, temperature fluctuations, and oxygen.
Nestlé plans to utilize this pioneering technology to identify future packaging materials while evaluating critical factors such as cost, recyclability, and functionality.
Stefan Palzer, Nestlé’s Chief Technology Officer, stated, “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.”
Alessandro Curioni, IBM Research Vice President for Europe & Africa, commented, “We 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.”
Furthermore, Nestlé continues to harness AI, machine learning, data science, and automation to fuel innovation and manage complexities. For instance, the company has developed a recipe optimization tool, leveraging advanced algorithms to assist product developers in navigating trade-offs among ingredients, nutrition, cost, and sustainability while still meeting consumer expectations. Additionally, by employing digital twins of equipment and production lines, Nestlé optimizes manufacturing processes and has created digital tools aimed at delivering personalized nutrition solutions for both people and pets.
Moreover, Nestlé has recently announced the establishment of a groundbreaking R&D center for deep tech, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the food and beverage packaging industry. This center will screen, test, and develop new generations of sensors, robots, coding systems, high-performing AI, and virtual/mixed reality solutions to enhance efficiency in research, innovation, and operations.
