Unilever debuts Magnum tubs created from recycled plastic

Unilever has launched Magnum ice cream tubs made from recycled polypropylene plastic.

The move forms part of Unilever’s wider global commitment to ensure that at least 25% of its plastic packaging comes from post-consumer recycled content by 2025. The firm has collaborated with chemicals company Sabic to create the tubs.

“Pleasure seekers can now indulge in signature Magnum luxury with the knowledge that they can play a positive role in reducing the impact of plastics on the environment,” said Julien Barraux, vice president Magnum.

“We are proud to be one of the world’s first food brands to pioneer this ground-breaking technology.” 

Around 600,000 of the tubs are available in Belgium, Spain and the Netherlands, with more than 3 million more due to be launched globally in 2020.

Last year, Unilever formed a partnership with Ioniqa and Indorama Ventures to trial a new technology that converts PET plastic waste back into food-grade plastic packaging. The technology can turn coloured PET plastics into transparent virgin-grade material.

Unilever has expanded its Magnum range this year with the launch of dairy-free ice cream bars as well as new Double Tubs.