Unilever introduces paper tubs for Carte D’Or ice cream

Unilever said it has switched the entire range of Carte D’Or in the UK from plastic packs to responsibly sourced, recyclable paper tubs and lids.

The consumer goods giant added that the move will save over 900 tons of virgin plastic every year, as the brand use 93 per cent less plastic per pack compared to the previous packaging.

The paper comes from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources and is PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certified. Both tub and lid can be put into the normal household paper recycling stream.

As plastic waste is the No.1 environmental concern for British shoppers, according to a Kantar research, the company hopes that the switch will appeal to the growing number of consumers seeking more sustainable products.

“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 new packs have been launched at the end of January and are currently being rolled out across the country.

The brand would be using some plastic in the packs to ensure the ice cream stays fresh, the taste and quality aren’t affected, and the packs remain durable and sturdy when shoppers take them home. However, the plastic on the inner layer of the tub and lid does not affect its ability to be recycled at home, Unilever said.

The pack also contains a non-recyclable plastic seal to ensure the ice cream stays fresh and secure, and the company said it is working on the transition to a fully recyclable solution.

The new Carte D’Or packs contain a QR code which invite shoppers to interactively engage with the brand and discover more about the key ingredients which deliver the authentic Carte D’Or flavour, including the brand’s longstanding commitment to source Rainforest Alliance Certified vanilla and cocoa.