Nestlé Brasil Ice Cream launched a series of 140-mL single-serve packages in December 2016 with a Peelable IML lid, including a spoon embedded in the lid. Since then, Brazilian consumers have enjoyed the convenience of the ice cream package.
Plastic packaging producer Plasticos Regina, ice cream producer Froneri, and IML label producer Verstraete IML developed and produced the new IML lid.
As a joint venture, Froneri combines the knowledge and expertise of Nestlé and R&R Ice Cream. The Froneri ice-cream division has a staff of 15,000 professionals, is active in 22 countries, and is headquartered in the U.K. Professional knowledge and a passion for producing innovative ice cream are the focus at Froneri. Their ice-cream products range from cones and ice lollies to ice cream in a cup and multi packages for a wide range of popular commercial brands and private labels. This ice cream manufacturer focuses specifically on a variety of target groups with premium, mainstream, and economy packs. In Brazil, you can also enjoy Froneri ice cream from both local and international brands.
Since December 2016, Froneri has been using the Peelable IML lid for its on-the-go ice cream in Brazil.
“We’ve been aware of the advantages of IML for some time, since we use it for other packaging solutions. IML entices consumers with a premium look and feel,” says Henrique Bechara, Packaging Development Nestlé Brasil. “It is also technically possible to integrate a spoon into an IML lid, creating a significant competitive advantage. Consumers can eat their ice cream whenever they want, since they always have a spoon available. This user-friendly spoon-in-the-lid design gives us a real edge on the competition. Besides, individual spoons would unnecessarily complicate the logistics distribution of our ice cream.”
Froneri wanted a lid with an easy-to-remove spoon so that consumers can open their ice cream, remove the spoon from the lid, and enjoy the ice cream directly. Moreover, the spoon remains intact when filling, stacking, and transporting the ice-cream packages. IML spoon-in-lid packaging also eliminates two steps in the regular production process: The label does not need to be adhered afterwards, since it is integrated into the lid, and the spoon is an integral part of the lid. The high IML print quality increases the appeal of the product, which in turn enhances the brand image among consumers, according to the company.
“The greatest challenge in this project was to integrate the perfect spoon into the lid. Verstraete IML sent us a number of test labels,” says Bruno Dedomenici, Associate Industrial Director at Plasticos Regina. “We provided each other with feedback so that together we could arrive at the best functionality, optimal design, and ready-made molds. Nestlé is very pleased with the result. The spoon is extremely easy to remove from inside the lid, and the system is both safe and hygienic. In addition, the spoon is of the perfect size, lightweight, and sturdy. It also stays securely in place when filling, transporting, and stacking our packages.
“We absolutely recommend Verstraete IML as an IML partner. Verstraete IML responds quickly to inquiries, respects deadlines, and communicates clearly. Their high level of engagement and technical support were essential to the success of this project. Thanks to the excellent collaboration between all parties, the new Peelable IML spoon-in-lid packaging could be implemented very quickly.”
The new ice cream single pack has won a Gold Award in the DuPont Awards competition for Packaging Innovation. The jury stated the following reasons for honoring the packaging: “It is a packaging solution designed for the on-the-go consumer. The clever cup is the combination of a suite of technologies, including thin wall thickness, fast cycle-time injection molding, and in-mold labeling for decoration. Demonstrating a strong commitment to responsible packaging, Froneri repurposed 26 percent of the whole lid weight to be formed into the detachable spoon instead of adding another film layer or using additional materials. The ice cream cup showed increased production efficiency, a commitment to responsibility, and a clever use of materials thanks to the IML spoon-in-lid.”
