Since 2010, the company has sold hundreds of millions of units globally, including to some of Europe’s largest food manufacturers and retailers. EcoTensil has begun the full European launch of its plastic-free AquaDot cutlery including designs specific for to-go packaging.
EcoTensil said its plastic-free AquaDot folding EcoSpoon is a ready replacement for plastic. It added that it works seamlessly with many existing packages and processes and has a more positive impact on the taste of food than wooden cutlery.
“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,” says EcoTensil founder and CEO Peggy Cross.
“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’.”
Liechtenstein-based food processing company Hilcona AG’s foodservice division co-packs the To-Go range of grab-and-go deli salads, dairy products, and desserts for 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,” said Hilcona project lead Barbara Held.
“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.”
The paperboard used to make EcoTensil AquaDot and GreenDot lines is similar to the material used to make coffee cups, but without any plastic. With one “bend to touch dots” fold, the compact EcoTensil becomes a sturdy scoop. EcoTensil said the new AquaDot line is smoother than dry wooden cutlery, which can detract from the flavor experience of the food.
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% less material than most other single-use cutlery made from plastic, bio-plastic or wood.
In addition to foodservice and sampling applications, the EcoTensil team has designed products specifically for single-serve packaging. EcoTensil supplies its utensils formatted to be fitted into customers’ existing packaging, wrapped, or customized 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.
“Swapping out the plastic spoon on our 100% recyclable, r-PET 90% PCW single serve cups and trays with the sustainable paperboard pre-folded TabLock from EcoTensil aligned with our corporate strategy of plastic-waste reduction,” said Swiss fresh food packaging solutions experts Taraplus AG executive Buena Quek.
“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.”