Nestlé Brasil Ice Cream launched a series of 140 ml mono packs in December 2016 with a Peelable IML lid including a spoon-in-the-lid. Since then, Brazilian consumers have been eating their ice cream at the time and place of their convenience, because they always have a spoon in hand. Plastic packaging producer Plasticos Regina, ice cream producer Froneri and IML label producer Verstraete IML (verstraete-iml.com) were responsible for the development and production of the new IML lid, the result of solid teamwork. As a joint venture, Froneri combines the knowledge and expertise of Nestlé and R&R Ice Cream.

Henrique Bechara, packaging development Nestlé Brasil, explains why Froneri chose the lid: “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 & feel. 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. Extra advantage: IML spoon-in-lid packaging 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. Together they form a perfect whole.  Not only that, but the high IML print quality increases the appeal of the product, which in turn enhances the brand image among consumers.

“Peelable IML offers a number of important advantages. It is perfectly safe for transporting and storing frozen products and consumers can easily remove the label to use the packaging to store other products or to cut out a discount coupon or reward point from the label without ruining the packaging. When combined with DoubleSided IML, the brand owner can even print product info or inspiring recipes on the back of the IML label,” says José Oscar Péres Filho, regional business development manager for Latin America at Verstraete IML.

Bruno Dedomenici, associate industrial drector at Plasticos Regina, comments: “The greatest challenge in this project was to integrate the perfect spoon into the lid. Verstraete IML sent us a number of test labels. 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, is lightweight, sturdy and stays securely in place when filling, transporting and stacking our packages.”

Froneri 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. From iconic ice lollies to ice cream for sharing and traditional dairy ice cream, there is a Froneri ice cream for everyone. In Brazil, you can also enjoy Froneri ice cream from both local and international brands.

The new ice cream mini pack has already won a prestigious Gold Award in the DuPont Awards competition for Packaging Innovation.