A pack produced by Berry Global for Norwegian ice cream manufacturer Diplom-Is’s Royal brand has won the International Ice Cream Consortium (IlCC) award for best packaging solution. Key factors in the decision included the introduction of a new non-carbon black color to improve recyclability, and design adjustments that improve efficiency and reduce waste during production. IICC Best Packaging Solution award recognizes new color and design modifications thanks to its collaboration with Berry, Diplom-Is has pioneered the use of non-carbon black, making the plastic containers for Royal Ice Cream easier to recycle for the first time.
“Our switch to non-carbon black has resulted in up to 130 tonnes of plastic annually going from being unrecyclable to becoming easier for recycling.”
Almantas Dubra, Packaging Developer, Diplom-Is
Unlike traditional carbon black, the new non-carbon black containers are detectable by Near Infra-Red (NIR) scanners for waste sorting processes. This means that they can be identified for recycling purposes. Berry employs a specific high-quality non-carbon black masterbatch with special pigments to further enhance NIR technology detection and sorting.
As a further example of its commitment to packaging innovation, Diplom-Is, with the assistance of Berry, has also introduced a design tweak for its 0.9-litre Royal containers to address issues of boxes sometimes sticking together during production. According to Diplom-Is, the alteration has significantly diminished plastic waste in Diplom-Is’ production.
“We are constantly striving for improvement, and our work on the Royal portfolio exemplifies this.”
Almantas Dubra, Packaging Developer, Diplom-Is
Berry Global has grown into a prominent player in the packaging industry, focusing on sustainability, advanced materials, and cutting-edge manufacturing techniques. The company serves a wide range of industries, including food and beverage, healthcare, personal care, and industrial sectors. Its diverse portfolio includes plastic films, containers, closures, and protective packaging solutions. Berry Global is committed to reducing its environmental impact by using recycled materials, designing reusable products, and aiming to make all of its packaging recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2025.