Unilever scoops up paper tubs for UK ice-cream brand

Unilever has introduced a tub primarily made of paper for its UK-based Carte D’Or ice cream.

The new tubs will use 93% less plastic than the previous plastic version, and instead will utilise sustainably sourced paper. The containers are completely recyclable in roadside recycling bins. This change will save about 900 tonnes of virgin plastic being used by the brand each year.

While the ice-cream tubs are not made entirely of paper, with plastic making up a small percentage of its composition in order to keep the ice cream fresh and properly sealed, they are still more sustainable than using substantial amounts of virgin plastic.

“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.”

There is no word on the paper tubs making their way to Unilever’s Australian brands of ice cream such as Streets or Ben & Jerry’s. However, the company has previously committed to meeting the goals of the National Packaging Targets, aims to halve its virgin plastic use by 2025 and is part of the Australasian Recycling Label and REDCycle schemes.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/khwanchai