Paper ice cream tubs
In the UK, Unilever is switching out the tubs and lids used for its range of Carte D’Or ice cream for responsibly sourced, recycled paper.
Compared to its previous Carte D’Or packaging, the move will see the brand use 93% less plastic per pack. That makes for an annual saving of more than 900 tons of virgin plastic in the UK.
The paper is certified by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). Both the tub and lid can be put into the normal household paper recycling stream.
Not all the plastic has been replaced by paper. According to Uilever, some plastic is still required to ensure its ice cream stays fresh and so its packs remain ‘durable’ and sturdy’.
“For over 40 years, Carte D’Or has been committed to crafting delicious desserts made with some of the finest quality ingredients, which we strive to source in a sustainable way,” said Horacio Cal, Ice Cream Marketing Director for Unilever in the UK and Ireland.
“Now we’re proud to have made this move to paper tubs, helping shoppers to reduce their plastic packaging footprint at home.”
The plastic seal is non-recyclable, but Unilever said it has a ‘team of experts’ working on the transition to a ‘fully recyclable solution’.
Image source: Unilever