In the packaged ice cream sector, sustainability is a market driver that runs through the entire supply chain: from raw material choices and production technologies to packaging decisions. This shift directly affects operators in international markets, as consumer and retailer expectations worldwide are increasingly aligning around a few key criteria: transparency, lower environmental impact, recyclable materials, and attention to supply-chain practices.
An updated overview of this transition comes from the "Study of environmental performance in the production of packaged ice cream in Italy", conducted for the Istituto del Gelato Italiano (IGI) by Ergo, a spin-off of the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna of Pisa. The analysis involved IGI member companies, which account for around 90% of Italy's annual packaged ice cream production, offering a broad snapshot of measures already in place and of future development priorities.
Where environmental impact is concentrated: ingredients, production and packaging
The study shows that, from an environmental perspective, three stages stand out across the supply chain: ingredients sourcing, production, and packaging. To measure impacts, the analysis focuses on three key indicators: consumption of mineral and metallic resources, land use, and climate change linked to greenhouse gas emissions.
In practice, overall impact depends on multiple factors, from ingredient origin and packaging materials to the efficiency of production facilities.
For international distributors, this is a relevant point: sustainability in packaged ice cream is not just a label or generic messaging, but a measurable pathway that can become a selection criterion along the value chain. This is also driven by the growing demand for transparency in large-scale retail procurement specifications and in foodservice requirements at both national and international level.
Controlled supply chains and certifications: milk and cocoa at the center
One of the most significant findings is the increasing focus on controlled supply chains and more traceable sourcing. For milk, almost 70% of the volumes used are of Italian origin.
The figure is even more striking for cocoa: the share of cocoa from certified sustainable cultivation reaches 98.5%. These percentages also speak directly to the market: many retail chains and B2B operators, especially in Europe and North America, are paying closer attention to standards and certifications for ingredients, particularly when it comes to "sensitive" ones such as cocoa and its derivatives.
Packaging: from ecodesign to effective recycling
The packaging section is one of the key areas. IGI notes that packaging is no longer seen only as a container, but as an integral part of the product concept: it is selected with an ecodesign approach across the full life cycle and designed to be compatible with recycling streams that are actually available. In other words, the aim is to adopt solutions that can realistically be handled by the collection and recycling systems in place on the market.
According to the data shared, 91% of packaging is declared recyclable. The study also highlights the growing use of mono-material packaging, which simplifies end-of-life management: 72% of packs are made of paper only, and more than 53% of the paper used is recycled. Beyond lowering impact, these choices can support clearer communication to end consumers, provided disposal instructions are accurate and aligned with local rules (which vary from country to country).
Product innovation: plant-based alternatives and origin-led positioning
Beyond packaging, sustainability also depends on recipes and on how ingredients are selected and balanced. The study highlights that the sector is exploring new formulations where cow's milk is partially or fully replaced with plant-based beverages (almond, soy, oat, coconut or pea). According to the figures cited, these alternatives can reduce the production climate footprint by up to about 20%.
From a market perspective, this trend aligns with rising global demand for plant-based products and, more broadly, for options perceived as lighter or tailored to specific dietary lifestyles.
A key challenge is innovating without compromising sensory quality (texture, creaminess, taste) while also ensuring that a green positioning does not reduce the perception of quality and enjoyment.
Another area mentioned is the focus on local ingredients and territory-linked flavors. Here too, this is not just storytelling: shorter supply chains can help reduce certain impacts while reinforcing the link with Italian tradition and product identity. For international markets, this can be particularly relevant: Italian ice cream already benefits from a strong reputation for perceived quality, and combining origin, territory and sustainability can become a differentiating factor in highly competitive markets.
Energy and plants: efficiency, decarbonization, renewables
The transition also involves manufacturing sites. The pathway described by IGI combines investments in research and development, efficiency upgrades in facilities, and innovation. On the energy side, the main directions include improving efficiency, decarbonization, and increasing the share of renewable energy sources. For a product that depends on the cold chain and energy-intensive processes, energy is a critical factor for both environmental impact and economic competitiveness, especially when energy costs can significantly affect margins.
What global buyers are asking for
International positioning are part of the sector's dynamics. According to Unione Italiana Food's analysis of ISTAT data, in 2024 exports of Italian packaged ice cream reached 95,348 tonnes with a value of €387.8 million. Europe accounts for around 65% of volumes and value (60,912 tonnes and €263 million), but key destinations also include the United States and the United Kingdom, alongside major European markets such as Germany, France and Spain.
These figures help explain why sustainability can also become a commercial requirement: in many countries, retailers and consumers are asking for more recyclable packaging, less plastic, and greater supply-chain transparency.
The regulatory environment is evolving in Europe and in other markets as well. For companies operating across multiple countries, choices such as ecodesign and mono-material solutions can help reduce the risk of future non-compliance and make it easier to adapt to requirements and standards that differ from one market to another.
Key points for producers and distributors
For companies that produce, distribute or import packaged ice cream, the current scenario points to several operational implications:
- Packaging and compliance: investing in ecodesign and genuinely recyclable solutions (based on national systems) helps meet buyer expectations and keep pace with evolving rules.
- Supply chains and certifications: controlled and certified sourcing is becoming increasingly relevant in B2B specifications and in consumer-facing communication.
- Innovation without losing quality: plant-based alternatives and new ingredients can drive growth, but require R&D to maintain sensory standards and production continuity.
- Energy and costs: efficiency and renewables affect both environmental impact and resilience to energy costs (across production and logistics), with direct implications for competitiveness.
In summary, sustainability is not only about reputation - it is a set of technical choices that shapes market positioning and the product's appeal.
