EcoTensil launches plastic-free paperboard cutlery range in EU ahead of single-use plastic ban

21 Jan 2021 --- EcoTensil is launching a range of plastic-free, extra sturdy, folding paperboard cutlery in advance of European legislation banning single-use plastic items such as cutlery, plates and straws by July 2021. 

The US, Californian-based brand’s AquaDot EcoSpoon is plastic-free, recyclable, compostable and compliant with the EU ban on single-use plastic cutlery. The material is sourced from certified sustainable forests.

EcoTensil’s patented and award-winning paperboard utensils are well established in North America. Since 2010, the company has reportedly sold hundreds of millions of units globally, including to some of Europe’s largest food manufacturers and retailers.

EcoTensil is now commencing the full European launch of its AquaDot cutlery, including designs specific for to-go packaging. The company first introduced its plastic-free cutlery to the European market in June last year.

“EcoTensil products have always set the standard for the greenest utensils available, and now we are excited to take that to the next level with our new, longer-lasting AquaDot range,” says EcoTensil founder and CEO Peggy Cross.

“This line is a perfect, easy, versatile and cost-effective replacement for plastic utensils on just about any food package.”

“The work Europe is doing to reduce single-use plastic sets a great example for the world, and EcoTensil is pleased to support companies in meeting plastic reduction goals with our wonderfully simple folding paper ‘multi-tensils.’”With one simple “bend to touch dots” fold, the compact EcoTensil forms a sturdy scoop.

Coop abandons disposable plastic cutlery
Liechtenstein-based food processing company Hilcona’s foodservice division co-packs the To-Go range of grab-and-go deli salads, dairy products, and desserts for large European food retailer, Coop.

Hilcona has replaced the plastic spoons and sporks in the base compartment of its To-Go food cups and trays with EcoTensil’s pre-folded TabLock spoon.

“In this time of zero-waste movements, Hilcona would like to continuously offer its customers sustainable strategies to avoid waste,” comments Barbara Held, Hilcona project lead.

“We want to take responsibility and actively protect our natural environment. This is why we have scrutinized our Hilcona To-Go packaging concept and decided to abandon the existing disposable plastic cutlery. Using the [EcoTensil] prevents around 3.5 metric tons of plastic waste per year.”

Sturdy scooping
The paperboard used to make AquaDot and GreenDot lines is similar to the material used to make coffee cups, but without any plastic, indicates EcoTensil.

With one simple “bend to touch dots” fold, the compact EcoTensil forms a sturdy scoop. Like all EcoTensil cutlery, the new AquaDot line offers “a pleasing sensory experience that complements the food.” The material is smoother than dry wooden cutlery, which can detract from the product’s flavor experience. 

“We have spent the last decade perfecting the silky mouthfeel, smooth edges, structural strength and overall pleasing nature of all our utensils,” explains Cross.

“Our customers love them – they have worked hard to perfect the flavors and textures of their products, but the texture of wooden utensils can negatively impact the taste experience of their lovely foods. EcoTensil offers a terrific, smooth alternative.”EcoTensil cutlery reportedly uses up to 80% less material than most other single-use solutions.

Resource savings with DeliPac
EcoTensil cutlery reportedly uses up to 80 percent less material than most other single-use cutlery made from plastic, bioplastic or wood. The cutlery uses DeliPac’s multi-award-winning board, engineered specifically for food.

In addition to foodservice and sampling applications, the EcoTensil team has designed numerous products for single-serve packaging. The company supplies its utensils ready to be fitted into customers’ existing packaging, wrapped, or customized.

Unlike wooden cutlery, EcoTensil utensils are available folded, so they can directly replace folded plastic utensils on existing packs, potentially saving re-tooling and equipment costs.

“Swapping out the plastic spoon on our 100 percent recyclable, rPET (recycled PET) 90 percent PCW single-serve cups and trays with the sustainable paperboard pre-folded TabLock from EcoTensil aligned with our corporate strategy of plastic-waste reduction,” says Buena Quek, an executive at Swiss fresh food packaging solutions expert Taraplus.

“We are key suppliers to some of the world’s largest and most sophisticated fresh food retail brands. Our purpose is to use delightful and distinctive packaging design as a means to drive sustainable behaviors.”

“EcoSpoons are the perfect alternative to disposable plastic spoons and have been immediately embraced by consumers, who have previously used plastic utensils. The plastic-free, recyclable, EcoSpoon is certainly the most sustainable cutlery on the global market today, being fully compliant with the EU ban on single-use plastic cutlery in 2021.”

In related developments, Yum China recently announced it is launching a series of plastic reduction and eco-friendly packaging initiatives in KFC and Pizza Hut stores in line with China’s latest sustainability regulations. 

The initiatives include replacing existing plastic packaging with paper straws, paper bags, and biodegradable plastic bags.

By Joshua Poole