Recently, Nestlé India launched a ‘MAGGI Wrappers Return Scheme’ in an attempt to curb plastic waste. Under the scheme, Maggi consumers can grab their free Maggi packet, for every ten empty MAGGI wrappers they return to Maggi Collection Points.
The pilot project launched in Dehradun and Mussoorie is part of Nestlé India plastic waste management initiative, “by working with around 250 retailers in the region, who shall collect MAGGI Wrappers. Consumers are given a packet of MAGGI Noodles for every 10 MAGGI noodle wrappers they return to Nestlé India,” stated the Spokesperson to FE Online, adding, “Indian Pollution Control Association will collect these wrappers from the retailers and responsibly dispose them.”
An elated Rishabh Shrivastava, Policy Analyst and Digital Editor of Gati Foundation responded, “the global multinational Nestle, the organization behind Maggi, and many other well-known brands; has decided to start its plastic curbing initiative in the country in our twin cities of Dehradun and Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. This action has been spurred by the brand audit that was done by our organization, Gati Foundation in Mussoorie in end May along with the Forest Dept of the Govt of Uttarakhand.”
Further adding, Nestlé India Spokesperson stated, “We are hopeful that this will bring about a behaviour change in consumers and help create awareness for responsibly disposing plastic waste and prevent littering.”
This initiative comes post a cleanup and brand audit conducted by Gati Foundation in Mussoorie this May. Along with that, a three-day field visit was conducted to study the problem of plastic pollution created by Maggi packets. Though small, the movement garnered a lot of attention from residents and tourists alike who were appalled at the statistics that the report revealed.
The response to the growing menace by Nestle India, might seem, too little too late to many, but a few agree to the fact that it is better late, than never.
