Unilever announced the launch of the first wrapper-less ice-cream multipack for Solero Organic Peach, with 35% less plastic compared to the original Solero Organic pack with individual plastic wrappers.
The new, innovative box has built-in compartments, so the individual ice creams can be inserted, without a plastic wrapper, and the box can be widely recycled in the UK. Made from a specially designed PE (Polyethylene) coated cardboard, the design ensures Solero lovers can enjoy the ice lollies without compromising on the quality of the ice cream.
This trial is the latest innovation in Unilever’s ‘GetPlasticWise’ initiative which aims to rethink plastic in the UK. The plan sees Unilever working collaboratively with partners to seek out solutions plus support and educate consumers on how they can reduce plastic consumption.
The wrapper-less ice-cream multipack for Solero’s Organic Peach range is being trialled exclusively with Ocado, with a limited number of products, to test the new packaging and gather consumer response.
Noel Clarke, Vice President of Refreshment at Unilever, said: “As we head towards summer, we’ve listened to our customers and are working hard to rethink plastic packaging for our ice cream ranges. We’re delighted to be trialling this wrapper-less Solero multipack with Ocado in the UK. If successful and the feedback from customers is positive, this innovative pack could reduce the amount of plastic we use in the future to package our ice creams.”
Solero is committed to ensure that delivering its ice creams’ real fruit experience does not come at the cost of the earth. This pilot is the first step in the journey of creating a more sustainable packaging. Solero Organic Peach, launched in January 2019, is certified organic, contains 60 kcal per lolly, whilst also being suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
Earlier this year Unilever launched its ‘GetPlasticWise’ campaign, a holistic approach to rethinking plastic. This launch reflects its commitment to ensure that, globally, all of its plastic packaging is fully reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025, and to using more recycled plastic content in its packaging.
For the UK and Ireland, Unilever wants to significantly accelerate this, as well as making a significant contribution towards the UK Plastics Pact targets.
Helen Bird, Strategic Engagement Manager at WRAP (which manages The UK Plastics Pact), said: “We’re really impressed with the level of innovation and creativity that Unilever, a founding member of The UK Plastics Pact, has shown in developing this new pack. It will be welcomed by shoppers who we know want to be able to recycle the packaging they bring home from supermarkets. We look forward to seeing the results of the trial.”
