Ice cream packaged in mono-material -- interpack

Teamwork makes the dream work. Again, these simple words prove to be so true. A trio came together to develop a type of food packaging which would enable a circular economy for plastics. More precisely, a type of ice cream packaging. Borealis, food manufacturer Froneri, and Paccor have worked together to develop mono-material packaging for the ice cream brand Aino.

Summer is here, and we will probably all find ourselves delving into the ice cream section more often. If you're in Finland and decide to buy Aino ice cream, you'll be holding a container made of sustainable resources. In just 12 months, the three companies have developed a new product, from the first concept to marketability. The mono-material by Borealis, called Bornewables, consists of polypropylene mass-balanced according to ISCC Plus.

„The new Aino ice cream container, which we took from conception to actually entering the market in just 12 months, is an excellent example of what cooperation can do to support the plastics industry on its way to achieving carbon neutrality. We're very proud of our contribution to the success of this joint project, which again serves to show that our Bornewables polymer portfolio is the perfect material for high quality, professional packaging solutions.“

Peter Voortmans, Global Commercial Director of Consumer Products at Borealis

Mass-balancing for traceability

The mono-material of this ice-cream packaging is mass-balanced according to the ISCC Plus standard.
(Image: Froneri Finland Oy)

The certified sustainable raw materials made from biomass which are used here do not threaten the human food chain. Instead, the feedstock is taken from second generation biomass, waste and residue streams, i.e. from materials that would be present anyway. A further benefit: Bornewables are traceable from manufacture to their final use.

How about the labels on the packaging? These are made by Paccor and are produced by in-mould labelling. This mono-material container is thus 100 percent recyclable and companies can include a seal for the certified material during the labelling process. The participating companies are also happy to be able to reduce their emissions with the help of the new product.

„By using sustainable raw materials, we were able to achieve a huge reduction in our CO2 emissions without having to change our methods of production. This is a significant breakthrough and another important step in reducing our company's dependency on crude oil. In addition, adherence to the ISCC Plus standard means complete transparency in production – and also ensures the highest standards of quality in the manufacturing of packaging products for ice cream.“

Andrzej Olszewski, Plant Manager at Paccor Bydgoszcz

Benefits for consumers and manufacturers

According to Borealis, the material used has several advantages for the company as well as for end consumers. Bornewables meets the demand from customers for a durable, protective container that comes into direct contact with food. The constantly rising demand for more sustainable packaging solutions is also met by both the container itself and the material used.

This not only improves customer satisfaction, but also the image of the companies. They are able to be part of a circular economy and use materials which reduce CO2 emissions. The material can also be used in existing production and packaging lines without needing any modifications.

„Sustainability is very important to us, it's at the heart of all our activity at our production plant here in Finland. In our ice cream factory in Turenki, we're always working to improve and continue to keep implementing small and larger measures to become even more sustainable – for example by switching to renewable energy, like electricity from wind power or biogas, or through carbon neutral heating. In addition, wherever possible, our packaging meets the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) standard, and the cocoa used in our products is certified by the Rainforest Alliance – to just mention a few examples of our actions to increase sustainability.“

Charlotta Lindberg, Senior Brand Manager at Froneri