PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
While handheld ice creams remain a key driver of growth in our category, a significant portion of ice cream worldwide is still enjoyed the traditional way – with a spoon.
As a result, ice cream brands and food service parlors aiming to provide a 'spoon-with-purchase' to their customers must carefully consider which type of spoon to offer.
With plastic cutlery’s affordability and ease of use, it’s no wonder that billions are still used yearly. In fact, in 2019, Ben & Jerry’s issued a press release promising to transition to wooden spoons in their 600 locations worldwide. This was groundbreaking, especially given that these stores were distributing over 30 million plastic spoons annually at the time!
There are numerous well-known reasons for all ice cream players to transition away from plastic options, including:
Plastic spoons take 200 years to decompose in optimum conditions and may never decompose if buried in landfills.
Microplastics found in our food, water, and air – along with plastic additives and chemicals – can cause brain development issues, hormone imbalances, congenital disabilities, and cancer.
The alarming prediction from Habits of Waste (HOW) that our oceans could contain more plastic than fish by 2050.
Thankfully, some work is already being done to transition from plastic:
85% of global citizens call for a ban on single-use plastics, and 90% for a ban on hazardous chemicals used in plastics.
In 2019, 44% of countries had already banned single-use plastic cutlery; since then, more countries have joined or plan to join (including Canada in 2022 and the UK in 2023).
The United States government is working to fully eliminate single-use plastic products by 2032.
As an ice cream brand, you have more sustainable options to consider, such as wood and paper. However, within these choices, there are several factors to evaluate before making a final decision.
We've partnered with smart wood to better understand the options of non-plastic ice cream spoons. After all, the company is a true expert on the topic – and has been hard at work growing its range of eco-friendly ice cream spoons!
The Traditional Wooden Spoons and its Evolving Options
Well known for their sturdiness from a single solid piece, wooden spoons are the traditional alternative to plastic spoons. But when it comes to wooden spoons, traditional doesn’t mean boring. If you’re shopping for wooden ice cream spoons, there are a few elements to consider.
First comes the type of wood. “Our wooden sticks are exclusively made from beech, valued for its hardwood density and texture that boosts operational efficiency and its taste- and odor-free properties,” explains Charline Denis, Marketing Manager for smart wood and smart break.
“Furthermore, our beech wood is sourced from deforestation-free forests and fully complies with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).”
Then comes the design. “Our wood paddle-shaped spoon is offered in sizes ranging from 58 to 93mm,” says Charline Denis. “Last September, we started offering 3D options. These are great for brands looking for a perfectly shaped spoon that delivers a premium experience.”
Last but not least, you must consider the purpose of the spoon.
“Many ice cream shops consider spoons as a ‘cost-of-doing-business.’ It’s a cost they try to minimize, often leading them to choose plastic,” explains Mélanie Dufond, Ice Cream Sales Director at smart wood. “But spoons can be an extension of your brand’s marketing efforts through customization.
For example, specific sizes of our wooden spoons are available for laser printing, allowing for high-quality, customizable branding. This automatically converts your spoon into your brand’s real estate, which will stay in your consumer’s hand (and mouth) until the last bite.”
Eco-Friendly Convenience: The Rise of Paper Spoons
If you’re looking for the perfect spoon for a soft-serve, gelato, or sorbet type of frozen dessert, paper and wooden spoons might be the ideal solution.
“Made from layering of extra virgin paper, our paper spoons are flexible yet sturdy,” says Mélanie Dufond.
She explains that a paper spoon’s ecological footprint is most exciting. “Besides originating from renewable resources, paper and wooden spoons are compostable and recyclable. They’re an excellent way to build honest green equity with your consumers!”
The company offers plenty of options when it comes to paper spoon sizes and features:
Flat, 2D Spoon
Gelato Spoon (available in 90 and 97mm)
8-Shaped Spoon (available in 85 and 77mm)
Traditional Spoon Shaped (available in 109mm)
3D Spoon (sold and shipped flat)
Foldable Egg-Shaped Spoon (available in 55mm)
Foldable Spoon (available in 93mm)
“We can also emboss our paper spoons or laser our wooden spoons. These options are a beautiful way to extend your brand experience with your consumers!” notes Mélanie Dufond.
Choosing the Best Spoon
"No matter whether you choose paper or wood, both materials offer a neutral taste," explains Charline Denis. "So, your spoon won't interfere with the flavor of your ice cream."
Both options also promote sustainability, as they come from natural and renewable sources. Once consumers finish their ice cream, they can compost wooden spoons in an industrial setting and paper spoons at home.
One of the key considerations for choosing the best spoon material is the product's texture. Silkier textures like gelato and sorbet pair well with paper spoons, while wooden spoons are perfectly suited for softer and harder ice creams.
The location of ice cream packaging can also make a difference regarding the spoon selection. For example, ice cream in a cup versus a pint format will help determine the spoon size.
And then, of course, there’s pricing, with the cost of paper or wooden spoons being higher than plastic.
“Unfortunately, that’s often what prevents some brands from making the switch,” says Charline Denis. “But moving to a sustainable option needs to be about more than just the cost. It must be about what’s better for the environment, your brand, and ultimately, your consumers.”
The Key Takeaway: Making the Right Decision About Your Ice Cream Spoon
If you haven’t yet switched from plastics, the global movement to eliminate plastic waste might force you to change soon. With increasing environmental regulations, consumer demand for eco-friendly products, and growing awareness about the harmful impact of plastics, finding a sustainable solution is more crucial than ever.
Wood and paper are two leading eco-friendly alternatives for ice cream spoons, each with distinct sustainability benefits and practical advantages.
Remember: Choose a spoon that best aligns with your brand's uniqueness and supports your commitment to environmental sustainability.
Want to explore the best wooden or paper ice cream spoon option for you? Connect with smart wood via the details below:
Website: https://www.smartwood.world/
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ABOUT INNODELICE
Founded by former executives in the ice cream industry, INNODELICE aims to create a worldwide ecosystem of solutions within the frozen dessert industry. Thanks to the relationships fostered by INNODELICE, manufacturers, brands, importers, distributors, and suppliers can discover, buy, and sell solutions to grow their businesses. These solutions include co-manufactured and branded products and innovative and competitive ingredients, packaging, and services. Our collaboration model generates lower costs and fewer risks for our participating partners while optimizing their time to market. To learn more about INNODELICE, contact Andrea Montreuil or visit www.innodelice.com.
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