Sort by
Sort by

The Nestlé CSV Prize

Inspiring solutions for over ten years

Since 2010, the Nestlé Creating Shared Value (CSV) Prize has aimed to identify system-changing initiatives for some of today's most critical environmental and social issues around the world. Through the CSV Prize, we promote and support changemakers who are creating scalable, locally relevant solutions.

The competition

The Nestlé CSV Prize 2020-2021, in partnership with Ashoka, was entitled 'How do we create a waste-free future?'. We are identifying innovative solutions that contribute to our vision that none of our packaging, including plastics, ends up in landfill or as litter.

From reuse and refill systems, through recycling innovations, to behavior change initiatives, we welcomed entries from around the globe that aligned with our actions to tackle plastic waste.

The selection process and finalists

We launched the Nestlé CSV Prize 2020-2021 in September 2020, receiving entries from 173 applicants. Over the next 10 months, each application was reviewed by Nestlé packaging experts.

Ten finalists have been selected based on their potential for positive impact for a waste-free future and for collaboration with Nestlé. From these, the winner(s) will be chosen by the Nestlé CSV Council and announced on July 5.

All finalists benefit from Ashoka's online resources and workshops, as well as a mentoring program, to explore the potential for collaboration with Nestlé.. Additionally, the winner(s) receive(s) a cash prize up to CHF 250 000. Through this financial investment and technical resources, innovators can amplify their impact, scaling up solutions to achieve potentially global change.

The finalists

Latin America


Guatemala: Uplifting people with disabilities through recycling with Circulo

 

The problem: In Guatemala, people face two key problems – low quality of life for people with disabilities and a rising burden of single-use plastic pollution.

The solution: Circulo collects and processes waste materials, upcycling them into new products. These products are then sold, with profits funding health treatments and employment opportunities created for people with disabilities.

circulo

Mexico: Establishing community recycling with Promesa

 

The problem: While over 53 million tons of waste is produced in Mexico annually, the country is ill-equipped for recycling. This is compounded by a lack of environmental education.

The solution: Through a comprehensive education program, Promesa is enabling companies, schools and households to develop self-sustaining community recycling schemes.

Promesa Logo
Promesa Video
Promesa Team

North America


USA: Enabling transitions to reusable packaging with Vessel

 

The problem: Single-use disposable packaging is a significant contributor to the global waste crisis. However, while better for the planet, reusables still pose challenges in the form of more complex asset tracking, re-collection and washing.

The solution: Vessel harnesses Internet of Things (IOT) technology and expert reverse logistics knowledge to support companies in transitioning to reusable foodware and packaging.

Vessel Logo
Vessel video
vessel cup

Canada: Engaging the public in circularity with Planet Protectors

 

The problem: People know change is required to protect the planet. However, existing programs, which rely solely on sharing information rather than appealing to our emotions, are ineffective.

The solution: Planet Protectors is developing a mobile game to encourage children to adopt a circularity mindset and make reducing waste a fun and collaborative activity.

Planet Protector
Planet Protector video
Planet Protector Children

Europe and the Middle East


France: Enabling a transition to renewables with Pandobac

 

The problem: In France, single-use disposable packaging for food transportation and distribution ends up mostly incinerated, as landfill waste or pollution.

The solution: Pandobac provides solutions for implementing reusable packaging systems. Consultancy services help companies explore packaging issues, calculate financial implications and identify the best reusable options. Pandobac also rents reusable crates, which are tracked and washed to ensure reuse.

pandobac

Lebanon: Removing barriers to recycling with Live Love Recycle

 

The problem: For years, Lebanon has lacked efficient waste management, with no government strategy to reduce production and no incentive for consumers to recycle. The result is that many natural spaces are now saturated with waste.

The solution: Live Love Recycle has created an app that offers on-demand recycling collection services, removing a barrier to sustainable waste management.

live love logo
live love video
LEBANON

Africa


Tanzania: Upcycling to support people and the planet with EcoAct

 

The problem: EcoAct is addressing plastic waste, deforestation and climate change, as well as social problems including slum proliferation and barriers to health facilities for lower income families.

The solution: EcoAct transforms plastic waste into durable timbers for construction. This affordable alternative to wood reduces deforestation and climate change impacts. Through the Garbage Medical Insurance project, families living in slums can exchange plastic waste for medical health insurance coverage.

Eco Act Logo
Eco Act Video
ecoact

South Africa: Digitizing the recycling supply chain with Kudoti

 

The problem: USD 120 billion worth of waste plastic material is lost every year due to supply chain inefficiencies, preventing it from being recovered and reused.

The solution: The Kudoti platform is a digital network of recycling stakeholders, empowering a range of organizations - from recyclers and brands to local-level aggregators and collectors - to buy and sell recovered waste resources in a profitable, traceable manner.

Kudoti Logo

Asia


Singapore: Closing the loop on waste with RecyGlo

 

The problem: Less than 20% of waste produced in Southeast Asia is extracted for recycling, reuse or composting. Half of it leaks into waterways while the rest is sent to landfill.

The solution: RecyGlo has developed a B2B closed-loop platform through which it facilitates refill stations for everyday products, door-to-door delivery for business and households, and collection services for plastic waste.

recyglo logo
recyglo-video
recyglo product

India: Giving plastics a second life with Ricron Panels

 

The problem: Mixed plastic waste and multi-layer plastics are not easily recycled and are instead sent to landfill or incinerated for energy recovery. The majority, however, remains uncollected, leaking into oceans, rivers and natural spaces.

The solution: Ricron Panels converts hard-to-recycle plastic waste into sustainable building materials. Ricron is a direct substitute for traditional building materials, such as plywood, metal and cement and can be used in applications from housing and sheds to furniture.

Ricon Panels Logo
ricron panels video
ricron panels video
CSV progress