Tetra Pak plans to introduce the solution through a phased rollout in Q4 2026, beginning in Europe before expanding to additional markets over time.
The company said the Ice Cream Wrap is made from up to 85% paper sourced from sustainable sources and designed to help protect product quality while increasing paper content.
The remaining materials include polymer, ink and lacquer, components and layers developed to support package performance and efficient material use. The wrap has a thin profile, at 53 GSM, which is up to 50% thinner than other alternatives.
Tetra Pak said the solution expands the packaging choices available to ice cream producers, while delivering the performance needed throughout the cold chain.
The packaging specialist said that as consumer expectations continue to evolve, ice cream brands are looking for new ways to stand out and connect with changing consumer preferences.
The move comes as research from Innova Lifestyle & Attitudes Survey 2024 found that nearly a quarter (24%) of consumers globally consider sustainability an important aspect of ice cream packaging. Further research from Innova also revealed that 16% of consumers globally prefer paper as packaging material for ice cream.
Peter Lindstrom, Vice President, Food Solutions at Tetra Pak, said: “Ice cream is one of the world’s most loved food categories, and innovation now extends beyond flavours and formats. Packaging is becoming an increasingly important way for brands to differentiate, attract attention and respond to changing consumer expectations.
“Tetra Pak Ice Cream Wrap gives producers a new way to create a distinctive consumer experience, combining the familiar appearance of paper with the functionality required for ice cream products.”
The company said that the solution is currently undergoing validation with ice cream producers across Europe, including Swedish company Triumf Glass.
It is trialling the product, which will help Tetra Pak assess performance in live production environments, and gather consumer insights ahead of wider commercialisation.
Moa Frisk Lönnblom, marketing director at Triumf Glass, said: “Innovation is an important part of our business, and we’re excited to together with Tetra Pak, explore how the ice cream wrap can create new opportunities in the ice cream category. It has the potential to offer consumers something genuinely different and help shape the future of ice cream packaging.”
