Nestlé Product Technology Center commemorates five years of R&D in nutrition and sustainability

16 Nov 2023 --- Nestlé Health Science is celebrating the five-year anniversary of its Nestlé Product Technology Center (NPTC) in Bridgewater, New Jersey, US. This global research and development hub drives the company’s nutritional health and sustainability innovations, encompassing the science, technology and development lifecycle.

Nutrition Insight sits down with Rania Abou Samra, global head of product technology and development at Nestlé Health Science and head of R&D for the US, to discuss the center’s milestones and achievements over the past five years. 

“We believe that nutrition, science and wellness must merge, not collide. Our mission is to develop nutrition solutions firmly rooted in science that break traditional boundaries and drive transformative progress for all individuals’ health now and in the future.” 

“Since its inauguration in 2018, the NPTC has been instrumental in our commitment to empowering healthier lives through nutrition. Our collaborative approach has enabled us to leverage the wealth of research conducted by Nestlé worldwide and swiftly transform state-of-the-art scientific discoveries into groundbreaking products for consumers, patients and healthcare practitioners.”

Abou Samra adds that by tapping into this extensive network, Nestlé Health Science can foster the cross-fertilization of science, technology and innovative formats. 

Milestones reached 
Nestlé Health Science aims to redefine health management, offering a portfolio of science-based consumer health, medical nutrition, pharmaceutical therapies and vitamin and supplement brands. 

The NPTC has been the leading force in creating new products, utilizing pilot plant capabilities to transform scientific knowledge and nutrition into innovative solutions, highlights Abou Samra.

“Our team has been pivotal in driving innovation and adapting to the ever-changing demands of consumers and patients. Our endeavors have positioned Nestlé Health Science as a nutrition industry powerhouse, effectively translating scientific advancements into revolutionary products.” 

With the facility and the company’s technology experts, Nestlé Health Science has accomplished several milestones over the last five years, such as launching the Nestlé Health Science Accelerator in September 2022, which enables quick product launches through a “test and learn” approach. This set of Agile practices allows companies to test products with real customers to understand the impacts on experience and productivity.

Another milestone is the creation of Centers of Excellence for Solid Dose and Enjoyment Forms, which Abou Samra explains has provided the company “with the necessary knowledge and skills to create novel products, including solid dose supplements and appealing nutritional formats.” 

“Our Rapid Ideation and Prototyping capability has accelerated our product development timeline, allowing us to introduce our latest offerings to the market promptly.”

NPTC has been leading in creating new products based on scientific knowledge and nutrition (Image credit: Nestlé Health Science).Sustainability goals 
Abou Samra shares that Nestlé Health Science is committed to embedding sustainability across the business, including adopting sustainable waste management and reduction practices. 

“We have made strong progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, sourcing ingredients with high nutritional value and minimal environmental impact, reducing the use of virgin plastic and striving to make all our packaging recyclable.”  

The NPTC facility achieved the Gold-level TRUE (Total Resource and Use Efficiency) certification earlier this year. This certification, administered by Green Business Certification, helps facilities measure, improve and recognize zero waste performance. 

It encourages sustainable waste management and reduction practices, contributing to positive environmental, health and economic outcomes.

“The TRUE recognition for NPTC Bridgewater, along with B CorpTM Certification for several of our brands, further demonstrates our commitment to supporting people and the planet and motivates us to strive for more,” notes Abou Samra. 

Future-proof 
In the coming years, the NPTC will focus on specific nutrition and health research areas to continue investigating and creating innovative products for consumers, patients and healthcare professionals, underscores Abou Samra. 

“A specific area of increased attention is longevity and healthy aging, focusing on developing products that support cognitive, gut and metabolic health.” 

“For example, we recently collaborated with the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University through its Food & Nutrition Innovation Institute on a joint initiative created to accelerate innovation in longevity and healthy aging.”

With this educational institution, Nestlé Health Science created The Longevity Challenge, intended to help develop new, impactful solutions to benefit the health and wellness of an aging population. 

Winning start-ups will receive a virtual residency with experts from Nestlé Health Science, Food & Nutrition Innovation Institute and the Friedman School’s Food and Nutrition Innovation Council. 

Abou Samra highlights that the company will also focus on emerging trends, such as artificial intelligence, healthy aging, longevity and sustainability, to remain at the forefront of key technologies. 

“Furthermore, we have an array of exciting new initiatives in progress at the NPTC. By harnessing the power of nutrition, our goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of patients and consumers worldwide.” 

By Jolanda van Hal