EcoTensil equips Trendy Top with compostable single-use utensils

08 Jun 2022 --- EcoTensil and Trendy Top have teamed up to deliver a new integrated private label top-cup solution, including a Single Use Plastic Directive (SUPD) compliant, durable and smooth paperboard EcoTensil spoon to replace the plastic spoon in Trendy Top’s top-cup. 

The sturdy EcoTensil paper spoon is made from PEFC-certified paperboard and has the Flustix plastic-free trustmark certification – audited by the Din Certco Institute in Germany. The utensils are also compostable, recyclable and use less material than wood or plastic.

EcoTensil’s compostable paperboard spoon fits inside a compartment in Trendy Top’s top-cups  providing a turn-key solution for food manufacturers targeting the popular single-serve on-the-go market. 

Single-use compliance with SUPD
Trendy Top’s top-cups are designed with a compartment for the utensil that enables the  single-serve product to be eaten away from home. The spoon is hygienically sealed with a peel-away label. 

Trendy Top’s co-packing service offers customized inclusions such as cereal mixes, muesli or granola, chocolate dragees or cookies, while the spoon stays separate and clean.

“One of the key advantages of this solution is that it complies with the 2021 EU SUPD for single-use plastic utensils on food packaging, while at the same time our best in class ‘multi-tensils’ deliver a sensory experience and durability for the consumer,” says EcoTensil founder and CEO Peggy Cross.

The sturdy EcoTensil paper spoon is made from PEFC-certified paperboard and has the Flustix plastic-free trustmark certification.EcoTensil AquaDot utensils
The paperboard used to make EcoTensil AquaDot utensils is similar to the material used to make coffee cups, but without any plastic. With one simple “bend to touch dots” fold, the compact EcoTensil becomes a sturdy scoop for single-serve cups of yogurt, oats, cereal, quinoa and desserts. 

Like all EcoTensil cutlery, the certified plastic-free AquaDot line offers a sensory experience designed to complement the food. EcoTensil is also third-party verified as being on par with plastic in terms of smooth texture. Also, it does not detract from the flavor experience of food or leave a negative aftertaste, as can some wooden utensils, says the company.  

“In keeping with our commitment to using only best-in-class components, we are pleased to be working with the durable EcoTensil to replace the folded plastic spoon in our top-cups to comply with the SUPD,” asserts Trendy Top CEO, Krzysztof Bojdol.

“EcoTensil has been producing these paperboard utensils for over 12 years, so they know how to make a well-functioning spoon, the best we have experienced in Europe.”  

Trendy Top in Europe 
Trendy Top says it is a leading top-cup producer for dairy, ice cream and on-the-go ready meals in the EU and has some of the highest food safety standards in the industry. 

“We have chosen to work with the EcoTensil AquaDot spoon for our top-cup due to its plastic-free Flustix Trustmark by Din Certco, the company’s long history of making paper utensils, and the pleasing consumer experience based on our testing,” says Bojdol.

“Trendy Top has always selected best-in-class components for its foods and packaging materials. There are plastic-free claims being made in the market which cannot be verified. EcoTensil can back up their plastic-free claims with their Flustix Trustmark from Germany,” he concludes.

Meanwhile, Sabert introduced a new range of recyclable paper cutlery made from FSC-certified paper. Demand for plastic-free cutlery has increased since the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive took effect on July 3, 2021. 

“This new recyclable paper cutlery range is a remarkable innovation on the market, as it combines [environmental] sustainability, excellent recyclability and outstanding performance,” says Gisèle Nonnweiler, Sabert Europe’s marketing and innovation manager.

Also, Waddington North America’s Novolex was awarded a new patent for Cutlerease, a dispenser that offers customers one disposable utensil at a time for enhanced hygiene and waste reduction. 

With the patent secured, Novolex customers can lease or buy Cutlerease dispensers – facilitating the technology’s adoption by food service establishments.

By Natalie Schwertheim

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