{"id":19034,"date":"2023-10-19T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-19T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/?p=19034"},"modified":"2023-10-12T08:33:34","modified_gmt":"2023-10-12T12:33:34","slug":"spotlight-on-sustainability-plantware-cutlery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/2023\/10\/19\/spotlight-on-sustainability-plantware-cutlery\/","title":{"rendered":"Spotlight on Sustainability: Plantware Cutlery"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In an era where sustainability is at the forefront of consumer and business consciousness, Eco-Products stands out as a shining example of a company dedicated to environmental responsibility. Among their impressive range of sustainable products, today, Plantware by Eco-Products<\/a> takes center stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How PLA Transforms Into Compostable Utensils<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Plantware
Plantware Cutlery is compostable, compact, and strong. Available in white, black, green, and blue<\/a>. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Plantware is a line of renewable, compostable tableware<\/a> and food packaging made from polylactic acid (PLA). Polylactic acid is a plant-based plastic. PLA is sourced from annually renewable resources, such as corn starch. This process sets it apart from traditional petroleum-based plastics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The production of PLA involves a process known as fermentation<\/a>, where starch is converted into lactic acid. Once converted, this lactic acid is polymerized to create PLA pellets, the raw material for Plantware. Manufacturing Plantware involves melting PLA pellets<\/a> and molding them into the desired shapes. Once the molds have cooled, the cutlery is ready for use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Sets Plantware Apart?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like all of their products, Plantware by Eco-Products<\/a> is compostable, meaning it can be broken down into natural materials by microorganisms in commercial composting facilities. In essence, composting diverts waste from landfills and contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eco-Products\u2019 Commitment to Compostability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Industrial
By diverting organic waste from landfills, industrial composting helps to reduce methane emissions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Eco-Products<\/a> is a founding member of the Compost Manufacturing Alliance<\/a> (CMA), an industry group that is working to promote composting of foodservice packaging. Recently, they introduced the Controls Intended to Remove Contamination<\/a> (CIRC) program to prevent non-compostable materials from being sent to composting facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contamination from non-compostable products presents a major challenge<\/strong>. For instance, non-compostable materials can damage composting equipment, reduce the quality of the compost produced, and make it difficult to sell the compost to end users. In some cases, contamination can even force composters to shut down their operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The CIRC program helps foodservice operators avoid these problems by taking steps to prevent contamination in the first place<\/strong>. It features scorecards that foodservice operators can use to show composters and haulers that they are following best practices for composting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Choose Plantware for the Foodservice & Hospitality Sector?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Businesses in the foodservice and hospitality sector can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability<\/a> by choosing Plantware<\/a>. As an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics, using this product aligns with consumer expectations for responsible choices. Other benefits include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n