The recognition of Diplom-Is’s Royal ice cream packaging by the International Ice Cream Consortium (IICC) underscores the evolving priorities within the packaging sector. / Credit: Berry Global

The International Ice Cream Consortium (IICC) has recognised Diplom-Is’s Royal ice cream packaging with its annual award for best packaging solution.

The recognition highlights a range of design and material innovations aimed at improving recyclability and production efficiency.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Advancing recycling with non-carbon black plastics

A significant factor in the award was the adoption of non-carbon black plastics in the packaging. Unlike traditional carbon black, which is not easily detected by recycling systems, the newly adopted material is compatible with Near Infra-Red (NIR) scanners used in waste sorting.

This change enables the packaging to be recycled more effectively.

According to Diplom-Is Packaging Developer Almantas Dubra, the shift to non-carbon black has allowed up to 130 tonnes of plastic annually to become recyclable.

The material features a specialised pigment blend designed to optimise detection during the recycling process.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Reducing waste in production

The Royal packaging design was also modified to address production inefficiencies.

A new container design prevents individual boxes from sticking together during manufacturing, a problem that previously contributed to plastic waste. Diplom-Is has reported a marked reduction in waste since implementing this adjustment.

Dubra commented, “We are constantly striving for improvement, and our work on the Royal portfolio exemplifies this.”

Broader implications for packaging design

This development reflects wider efforts in the food industry to improve packaging sustainability.

Materials and designs that facilitate recycling and reduce production waste are increasingly seen as essential in meeting environmental targets. As recycling technology continues to advance, similar innovations could become standard in packaging design across various sectors.

For further details on non-carbon black plastics and their role in recycling, industry sources provide extensive insights into the technology and its potential applications.