Novolex’s Eco-Products launches compostable food wrap in organic recycling boost

18 May 2022 --- Novolex’s Eco-Products brand is introducing a new compostable wrap for packing hot and cold food products such as snacks and sandwiches, tapping into increasing demand for environmentally sustainable products.

“The new food wrap is similar in functionality and performance to conventional food wraps but coated with certified compostable wax. This wax allows the product to be compostable in commercial facilities, meaning that the wrap and any leftover food can go in the compost bin rather than the trash,” Nicole Tariku, director of marketing at Eco-Products, tells PackagingInsights.

The wax paper wrap is ASTM D6868 compliant and certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) as compostable in commercial facilities. It can be used as a basket liner, food wrap or as a scale or pick-up sheet.

“The wraps are also [environmentally] sustainable, simplifying cleanup because both the wrap and any leftover food can be tossed into the compost bin,” says Tariku.

“They are both stylish and functional, making them ideal for foodservice providers offering carryout and delivery,” she adds.The new wrap is made from wax paper.

Wax paper benefits
Tariku explains that Eco-Products developed technical specs with the objective of innovating a certified compostable paper wrap that would meet the updated BPI compostability requirements while maintaining performance criteria, specifically grease resistance.

“Partnering with our supply chain, we worked with multiple stakeholders on compostable compliance requirements to develop new raw materials and formulations,” she says.

Jointly developed with Eco-Products’ parent company, Novolex, the new wrap offers several benefits:

• Works with both hot and cold snacks and sandwiches.
• Made from renewable resources.
• Grease- and moisture-resistant.
• ASTM D6868 compliant and BPI-certified compostable in commercial compost facilities only.
• Features print on the wrap that includes the Eco-Products and BPI logos, assuring customers that the product is made from environmentally sustainable materials and can be put into the compost bin after use.

“Creating this new wrap demonstrates our commitment to developing compostable products across the Novolex line,” says Dr. Adrianne Tipton, chief technology officer of Novolex. “We’re seeing increased demand for more [environmentally] sustainable products, so we want to provide as many options as possible.”

Eco-Products also says it is working to shift the way businesses think about waste. Addressing food waste
Eco-Products also says it is working to shift the way businesses think about waste.

“Waste is not waste if it’s diverted from the landfill to recycling or compost bins. That’s why we create packaging designed to be composted in a commercial composting facility,” explains Tariku.

“We view our products as a vehicle to deliver food scraps, a valuable nutrient in composting, to the compost pile. We are passionate about scaling waste diversion practices and composting infrastructure internationally, and with our team of experts, partner with businesses and customers in the communities where we operate to advance this vision.”

The new sandwich wrap will be featured at the Novolex (Booth #3212) at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, US, May 21-24.

Eco-Products offers a wide range of plates, cups, utensils and containers made from renewable or post-consumer recycled resources. Last year, the company 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.

Earlier this year, PackagingInsights spoke with Ian Jacobson, Eco-Products’ president about how to produce grease-resistant compostable plates and containers without using conventional chemistry formulations, specifically PFAS, or potentially harmful substitutes.

By Natalie Schwertheim

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