Lecta unveils high-performance, recyclable alternative for frozen confectionery

Lecta has expanded its specialised Metalvac range with the launch of Metalvac Ice Cream, a metallised paper solution designed to meet the rigorous technical and sustainability demands of the frozen food sector.

Engineered specifically as a sustainable alternative to traditional multi-material laminates, this new substrate targets the flexible packaging market for ice cream cones and similar frozen products.

The Metalvac Ice Cream solution is available in a 123 gsm grade, offering a robust structure that balances protection with flexibility. One of its primary technical advantages is a high-performance water-vapour barrier, which is essential for maintaining the crispness and integrity of wafer cones in direct contact with the wrapper throughout the cold chain.

Despite its low aluminium content of just 0.08 gsm, the material provides the high-barrier performance typically associated with thicker foils or plastic laminates, ensuring that taste and texture remain uncompromised from production to consumption.

For manufacturers, operational efficiency remains a top priority. Lecta has optimised Metalvac Ice Cream for excellent runnability, ensuring it can be integrated into existing industrial packing lines with minimal adjustments.

On the branding side, the metallised surface is designed to support premium aesthetics, offering high-quality reproduction for offset, flexography, and rotogravure printing. This allows brands to maintain a high-impact, metallic visual appeal while transitioning to a more environmentally friendly substrate.

As the food industry moves away from non-recyclable laminates, Metalvac Ice Cream offers a significant advantage by being fully recyclable within standard paper and cardboard recycling streams in accordance with CEPI standards. By utilising a single-material, paper-based approach, the product aligns with circular economy principles and helps manufacturers reduce their reliance on plastics and heavy foils.

The entire Metalvac range is produced under strict industry standards, including FSSC 22000 for food safety, ISO 14001 and EMAS for environmental management, and ISO 50001 for energy efficiency.