In advance of European legislation banning single-use plastic items such as cutlery, plates and straws by July 2021, EcoTensil® has launched its plastic-free AquaDot cutlery in the EU and the UK.The paperboard used to make AquaDot cutlery is similar to the material used to make coffee cups, but without any plastic. With one fold, the compact EcoTensil becomes a sturdy scoop.EcoTensil supplies its utensils formatted ready to be easily fitted into customers’ existing packaging, wrapped, or customised as needed.EcoTensil utensils are available folded, so they can directly replace folded plastic utensils on existing packs, potentially saving re-tooling and equipment costs.EcoTensil founder and CEO Peggy Cross said: “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.“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 very pleased to support companies in meeting their plastic reduction goals with our wonderfully simple folding paper ‘multi-tensils’.”The Aquadot cutlery range has been adopted by a number of food processing companies, including Liechtenstein-based Hilcona AG, which packs deli salads, dairy products and desserts for retailer Co-op.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.Hilcona Project Lead Barbara Held said: “In this time of zero waste movements, Hilcona would like to continuously offer its customers sustainable strategies to avoid waste.“We want to take responsibility and actively protect our natural environment. This is why we have scrutinized our Hilcona To-Go packaging concept and have decided to abandon the existing disposable plastic cutlery.“Using the [EcoTensil] prevents around 3.5 metric tons of plastic waste per year.”EcoTensil’s AquaDot range of multi-functional utensils is plastic-free, recyclable and compostable, and is made from certified sustainably forested material.EcoTensil cutlery also uses up to 80 per cent less material than most other single-use cutlery made from plastic, bioplastic or wood.
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.