Novolex’s Eco-Products expands PFAS-free compostable container range for foodservice
30 Nov 2021 --- Novolex’s Eco-Products has added seven items to its compostable take-out container lineup. The Vanguard two-piece containers are made from sugarcane fiber and designed for restaurants, supermarkets, convenience stores and snack bars seeking plastic and PFAS alternatives.
Vanguard is an award-winning line using proprietary chemistry to achieve grease resistance without the use of PFAS. The line recently earned the GreenScreen Certified Silver designation for avoiding PFAS, other “high concern” chemicals, and potentially damaging substitutes.
Last year, a report warned nearly half of all take-out food packaging tested across major US food chains – including Burger King, McDonald’s and Wendy’s – contains potentially toxic chemicals. Meanwhile, California lawmakers in the US have passed a bill banning “forever chemicals” in paper-based packaging from 2023.
Eco-Products is now expanding its Vanguard formulation to other products, including its popular WorldView line of to-go containers.
WorldView line
The WorldView line includes a variety of bowls and containers in different sizes. Shapes include round, oval, square and rectangle, including some with compartments. The packaging is microwavable and freezable, while the molded construction offers strength and style. 
Vanguard uses proprietary chemistry to achieve grease resistance without PFAS.
The new bases are made from renewable sugarcane fiber, certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) as compostable in commercial facilities.
“Demand for to-go containers skyrocketed over the past year, so this is a much-needed expansion. It offers more choices for our customers and demonstrates our continued leadership and innovation in foodservice packaging,” comments Ian Jacobson, president at Eco-Products.
Eco-Products offers three types of lids to fit the compostable bases:
- Sugarcane lids that are also ASTM D6868 compliant for compostability.
- PLA lids that are BPI-certified and made from renewable plant-based material.
- Lids made with 100% post-consumer recycled PET but are not compostable or recyclable.
GreenScreen tool
GreenScreen is a globally recognized tool designed to assess and benchmark chemicals based on hazards. Companies, governments and organizations use GreenScreen scores to identify chemicals of concern and select safer alternatives. Eco-Products is the first manufacturer to receive this designation in the foodservice ware category.
Eco-Products offers a wide range of plates, cups, utensils and containers from renewable or post-consumer recycled content.
In August, Novolex acquired Vegware, a compostable foodservice packaging provider headquartered in Edinburgh, UK.
Edited by Joshua Poole
