Vegware sustainability report shows fertile ground in UK market for compostable packaging
22 Aug 2022 --- Vegware, a Scottish- and US-based compostable foodservice packaging company, has released a 2021 sustainability report detailing the company’s commitment to improving composting infrastructure.
Eilidh O’Connor MCIWM, senior waste consultant for Vegware in Edinburgh, UK, discusses the importance of this report for packaging companies. She tells PackagingInsights that “to others in the packaging sector, we would encourage them to clearly lay out their products’ access to suitable recycling or composting options.”
“We as a sector are under huge scrutiny, all working hard to make improvements in terms of materials, sustainability and end-of-life options. It’s more important than ever to communicate the work we are all doing behind the scenes to create better, smarter packaging.”
The report notes how Vegware’s composting solution was put to use at the COP26 Climate Conference in Glasgow. Vegware’s Close the Loop service collected used disposables and food scraps from the Glasgow Science Centre for composting in less than 12 weeks, turning the event's catering waste into compost for Scottish fields.
Vegware packaging is made from plants using renewable, “lower carbon,” recycled or reclaimed materials. The company asserts that compostables are a “practical solution” for single-use food-contaminated disposables that aid food services to achieve sustainability goals.
Vegware asserts that compostables are a “practical solution” for single-use food-contaminated disposables.Composting in the UK
Speaking on the composting infrastructure in the UK, O’Connor notes that “with business waste collections in 46 of the UK’s largest towns and cities, I would say access to composting for Vegware clients is good and improving.”
“Infrastructure consists of a few layers – we have composting facilities we partner with to process used compostable packaging, but it’s the collection infrastructure that enables the waste to get to the right place.”
She states that that’s what the company has been focusing on building up over the last decade, and says that Vegware serves the contract caterers with compostable disposables. “Some regions don’t yet have a regular business collection going to industrial composting, but there are UK-wide post-back options as well as on-site units.”
Sparking an interest
When asked about home composting possibilities, O’Connor maintains that home composting conditions and the householder’s skills vary, so “we don't make any claims here,” she says.
“Vegware packaging can be commercially composted where accepted.”
She continues that “there have been successful trials using hot compost bins. Additionally, some Vegware packaging is certified home compostable, including our NatureFlex products and compostable bin liners. For the best results, we advise industrial composting.”
Detailing what consumers should take away from the report, O’Connor says “we want to spark interest in composting Vegware packaging for consumers and caterers reading our report. Our report includes a variety of case studies of foodservice businesses that have set up composting schemes, and we want to show that there are many solutions to help compost catering waste.”
Finally, O’Connor addresses the future of the company saying that “as many are phasing out plastic cutlery, Vegware will soon be launching cutlery made from paper.”
This cutlery is touted as strong, with a ridged design that makes the knives and forks robust enough to enjoy crunchy salads. “After use, they are designed for commercial composting where accepted. Alongside this, we continue to invest in innovations that support caterers’ move away from plastics toward responsibly-sourced fiber,” she concludes.
By Mieke Meintjes
