Enviroware takeaway clamshells and trays are now PFAS-free

by Jenna Murray | Oct 26, 2023 | Enviroware, News

EnviroWare® takeaway clamshells

and trays are now PFAS-free

Celebration Packaging is pleased to be able to confirm, that our range of white bagasse takeaway clamshells, dinnerware and chip trays are TÜV Home Compostable certified and are SGS certified as PFAS-free.

What are PFAS?

The man-made “forever chemicals” called PFAS (per – and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a wide variety of common applications, from fast food packaging and non-stick cookware to firefighting foams and stain repellent chemicals for clothing and carpets. PFAS do not naturally degrade, and although they are safe to be used in food packaging and cookware, PFAS can eventually contaminate groundwater following their release into the environment.

Research is ongoing to assess the risk to humans from a buildup of PFAS in the human body. There are concerns that in very badly polluted areas, a large amount of PFAS could accumulate in the blood, potentially causing cancers and infertility¹.

“We became aware of the PFAS issue some time ago and began to look for viable non-PFAS packaging in early 2022,” says Celebration Packaging Managing Director Nick Burton. “Since then, we have been working hard to ensure that we can deliver PFA-free packaging solutions for the takeaway, delivery and QSR sectors – and we are delighted to announce today that all our white bagasse clamshells, dinnerware and chip trays are now TÜV home compostable and that they are PFAS-free. To ensure that the bagasse fibre clamshells, chip trays and dinnerware are free from these forever chemicals, we arranged for SGS, an internationally renowned testing, inspection and certification company, to test them. The SGS test report shows that no PFAS and similar chemicals such as PFCA’s / PFOS’s / PFOA’s / PFHxS’s were detected.

“We believe that these PFAS-free white bagasse products to be the best alternative to foodservice packaging made from expanded polystyrene,” says Nick Burton “They are the perfect replacement for expanded polystyrene plates, trays and clamshells now that the SUP legislation has come into effect.

“Bagasse is a great material because it is natural and renewable, using waste fibres from agriculture that would otherwise be burned. The manufacture of bagasse fibre packaging also has a lower carbon footprint than its oil based comparable products², but to make bagasse water and grease resistant, PFAS were traditionally added; our in-market trials show that this is no longer necessary.”

The PFAS problem

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) do not exist in nature and do not naturally degrade, which means they can end up contaminating groundwater for a very long time after their release into the environment.

Concerns around PFAS have been in the public domain for quite some time. At the start of 2023, bans in six states of the USA were announced, and in March the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) opened a six-month consultation on the proposed restriction on PFAS with a closing date of 25th September 2023.

Shown above: HBB90 13 X 6″ White Bagasse Extra Long Clamshell (fish & chip box). Our latest mould for this product, includes embossing of the certifications. Most other items don’t show these symbols yet.

Delivering PFAS-free bagasse packaging solutions

“Ever since we created the EnviroWare^® brand, over 16 years ago, it has been our mission to seek out more sustainable packaging solutions,” says Nick Burton.

“Since the start of 2023, all our white bagasse clamshells, dinnerware and chip trays have been made with a different food safe, grease and water-resistant chemical, that is free from PFAS and this has allowed us to obtain TÜV Home Compostable certification for these products. We decided to wait to make the announcement until all in-market trials had been successfully completed. I am delighted to say that, as far as we are aware, none of our customers has noticed any difference in performance with the new PFAS-free white bagasse products.

“This new PFAS-free white bagasse fibre packaging looks exactly the same as the old range and can be used in a microwave to reheat food with no reduction in performance, but we are sure that operators and consumers will now be delighted to know that it is PFAS-free.

“Foodservice operators should check if the packaging they are using is PFAS-free,” concludes Nick Burton. “As a consultative business, we recommend that they talk to us if they have any concerns about the environmental impact of the packaging they use. We have been providing sustainable packaging solutions for many years and in the face of bans and taxes, we can help customers move away from single-use plastics and reduce their carbon footprint.”

References:

1 www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/index.html

2 Journal of Sustainable Energy & Environment 11 (2020) 61-69

Bamboo Fibre Cups

by Jenna Murray | Aug 24, 2023 | Enviroware, News

Celebration Packaging’s sustainable bamboo fibre cups now certified 100% recyclable

“When we launched these cups made from bamboo fibre, I was proud to say that they are our most sustainable hot drink cups yet. Now we have certification to prove that they are 100% recyclable, the statement is even more true!”

100% recyclable cups

In May, Celebration Packaging introduced a new range of double-wall hot drink cups made from sustainable bamboo fibre, under its long-established EnviroWare® brand.

The company is delighted to announce that these cups have now received a Grade A rating for recyclability.

“When we launched these cups made from bamboo fibre just two months ago, I was proud to say that they are our most sustainable hot drink cups yet,” says Celebration Packaging Managing Director Nick Burton. “Now we have certification to prove that they are 100% recyclable, the statement is even more true!

“We launched the EnviroWare® brand, over 16 years ago, on a mission was to seek out more sustainable packaging solutions. We have always believed that when sourcing sustainable packaging, the provenance of the raw materials is paramount – but ensuring that it can be properly disposed of at its end-of-life is equally important.”

eco friendly enviroware bamboo fibre hot drink cups

Sustainable materials

Celebration Packaging’s EnviroWare® bamboo fibre double-wall hot drink cups are made from FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) certified bamboo fibre – with a water-based lining – and are certified commercially compostable (DIN EN 13432:2000-12).

Using the Papercycle Recyclability Assessment Method for fibre-based packaging products and materials, Papercycle Ltd has now issued Grade A certification that the cups are recyclable in standard paper mills.

Papercycle was developed by the Confederation of Paper Industries, supported by the UK’s paper-based Industries, and offers a comprehensive recyclability assessment tool to help determine the recyclability of fibre-based products.

From material provenance to end-of-life

“Bamboo is one of the world’s fastest growing plants, and can grow as quickly as 2 feet per day,” says Nick Burton. “Across the foodservice category, cafés and food-to-go outlets are seeking more sustainable solutions and with bans and taxes in place or on their way, consumers are turning away from single-use plastic products. We therefore believe that demand for sustainable EnviroWare^® products, such as our fully recyclable bamboo fibre cups, will continue grow.

“Our new bamboo cups feel great to the touch and the bamboo design is sure to get consumers thinking about the product’s environmental credentials,” says Nick Burton. “Alongside the bamboo motif, the design states that the cups are made from sustainable resources and can be composted where facilities exist. It also features both the ‘Commercially Compostable’ and FSC^® logos – and the cups will now also bear the instantly recognisable ‘recyclable’ logo.”

The new range of recyclable, insulated, double-wall cups are available in popular 8oz, 12oz and 16oz sizes, and accessories are also available, including: compostable domed lids, to fit all cup sizes, made from moulded fibre (bagasse) or CPLA; kraft coffee sleeves; and wooden drink stirrers.

“If foodservice operators are looking to improve their sustainability credentials, they need to work with a consultative supplier to ensure that they’re choosing the right packaging – that is functional, fit for purpose, popular with consumers and above all, sustainable,” concludes Nick Burton.

Go to "Enviroware Bamboo Double Wall Hot Drink Cups"

Single Use Cutlery Ban

by Jenna Murray | Aug 23, 2023 | Enviroware, News, Solutionware

Single use cutlery ban - survey

A survey by Sapio Research, conducted on behalf of Celebration Packaging, has looked at consumer understanding of the bans on single-use plastic packaging, single-use cutlery alternatives and expectations around reusables.

53% of consumers expect cutlery V2 1920 x 1808

Single-use cutlery bans

Bans on the sale of single-use packaging, including cutlery, are already in place in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and will be introduced in England and Wales in October 2023.

“As a long-established packaging supplier, and with bans on single-use items such as cutlery (either in place or coming soon), we were keen to discover consumer’s views and the potential impact on food-to-go operators,” says Celebration Packaging Managing Director Nick Burton. “Here we look at the provision of cutlery in takeaways and at consumer’s expectations around reusables.”

Eating out – without single use cutlery

Faced with a ban on single-use plastic cutlery, the survey showed that more than half (53%) of consumers still expect a food outlet or takeaway to provide cutlery for them, while 46% said they were happy to carry their own cutlery for consuming food on the go.

In place of single-use plastic cutlery, more than half of consumers would prefer reusable bamboo (54%) or metal (53%) cutlery.

“The fact that more than 50% of people expect cutlery to be provided, suggests that there is going to be an ongoing demand for single-use cutlery in some form. So, with the ban on single-use plastic, we need to offer the best recyclable or compostable alternatives, or be able to supply viable reusable options,” says Nick Burton. “Celebration Packaging supplies a range of alternative cutlery options, from wood and bamboo, to moulded fibre (bagasse) and paper.”

Take away salad on the go with plastic cutlery

types of compostable cutlery by enviroware

Expectations around reusables

When asked: ‘Roughly how many times would you expect to be able to reuse a reusable item, such as cutlery’, half (50%) said that they expected reusable items to be able to be used up to 10 times, while over one fifth (23%) expected to be able to reuse an item more than 50 times. “While people might expect a reuse rate of between x10 to x50, there is currently no agreed definition as to how many times cutlery – or packaging of any type – must be used to justify calling it reusable,” says Nick Burton. “It is important to deliver on consumer expectations on reusables, and ensure they have the longest possible life. Ever since we launched our EnviroWare® brand, over 14 years ago, we have sought out the most durable and sustainable options.”

Continued demand for single-use solutions

“The survey shows that 53% of consumers expect a food-to-go outlet to provide cutlery, while 51% of consumers never, or rarely use reusable cutlery for eating on the go. It is therefore clear that takeaways are still going to have a requirement for single-use cutlery of some kind, despite the bans,” concluded Nick Burton.

As a consultative business with many years’ experience in the sector, Celebration Packaging can help outlets choose the most appropriate solutions that best match their business. In our next review of the outcomes of this survey, we will look at material options and the levels of consumer understanding around sustainability and end of life options.

Eco-friendly 5 top tips

by Jenna Murray | Jun 5, 2023 | Enviroware, News, Solutionware

Monday 5th June 2023 is “World Environment Day”. With this in mind, here are our 5 top tips on how to do your bit to help save the environment.

Rinse that recycling

Most empty packaging from our kitchens (or households in general) can be recycled.

In order for recyclables to be processed, they should be clean and placed in the correct recycling bin.

Removing waste food and rinsing used packaging, gives it the best chance of being recycled – dirty packaging could be rejected and end up in landfill.

Materials suitable for kerbside collection can vary between Councils throughout the UK. Generally the following are widely accepted:

Glass bottles, foil trays, clear plastic food containers and drinks bottles (made from PET, rPET, HDPE), paper and card.

Re-use

Many food containers are fit for more than one use. Polypropylene (PP) food containers such as Celebrations versa2go containers or clear rectangular PP food containers, are perfect for freezing and storing left over foods. PP plastic is strong and durable, it’s normally safe to use in microwaves and freezers to.

Always check that food containers are damage free, fit for purpose (i.e. do they have the freezer safe / microwavable symbols?) and thoroughly clean before reuse.

650ml takeaway food container clear plastic with lid

Save time cooking

& prevent food waste

On a similar note, whether food containers are reused or brand new – they are useful for pre-preparing or batch cooking meals at home.

This can help prevent food waste – using up ingredients in the fridge that would otherwise have gone out of date, freezing the meal until you need it at a later date.

Repurpose and upcycle

Could you find a new use for packaging before it heads off for recycling?

Whether it be using that Christmas chocolate tin as a cake tin, plastic food trays as plant pots or seed trays or crafting with the children.

so much packaging can be given a new lease of life.

Home composting

Many councils across England do not currently collect food waste as part of their kerbside collections. Unfortunately, this can lead to lots of food scraps going to landfill, where they decompose slowly creating greenhouse gasses.

In the UK, there are around 27 million people who partake in gardening (lovethegarden.com).

Fruit & vegetable peelings from the kitchen can be home composted – giving a valuable supply of homemade compost. Recyclenow.com have a handy guide on “How to start home composting”.

National Fish & Chip Day 2022 – “Fryday” 2nd June 23

by Jenna Murray | Jun 2, 2023 | Celebration, Enviroware, News

It is time to celebrate one of the nation’s favourite takeaway meals on “Fryday” 2nd June 23… it’s officially National Fish & Chip Day!

Organised by Neoda, National Fish & Chip Day brings together everyone involved in creating this iconic British dish.

From Fish & Chip shops, pub chains, restaurants, retailers, to the fishermen and farmers who provide the sustainable and natural ingredients needed to create this traditional favourite.

Bagasse compostable small portion pot and lid

Sustainable packaging for fish & chips

Our Enviroware® food packaging range includes bagasse chip boxes, bagasse chip trays and FSC® certified wooden chip forks.

13 x 6″ Fish & Chip Boxes

Bagasse Chippy Tray 164 x 126x 30mm

Wooden Chip Fork 95mm

4oz Bagasse Portion Pot

Looking to buy eco-friendly packaging for serving fish & chips? You can now order online via our shop packagingfood2go.co.uk

13 x 6″ Fish and Chip Boxes (250 case)

Bagasse Chippy Tray (500 case)

4floz Bagasse Portion Pot (1500 case)

Bagasse Lid for 4 oz Pot (1500 case)

Alternatives to disposable plastic cutlery

by Jenna Murray | Mar 21, 2023 | Enviroware, News

Single use plastics ban

Single-use plastic items were banned in Scotland last June, and in September the Welsh Government announced the Environmental Protection – Single-use Plastic Products – Wales Bill. On 14th January, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced that a range of single-use plastics will be banned in England, from October 2023.

The ban in England covers items including single-use plastic plates, trays, bowls, cutlery, balloon sticks and certain types of polystyrene cups and food containers.

It also applies to items made from bio-based, biodegradable or compostable plastic (PLA).

Alternatives to plastic cutlery

In today’s fast-paced world, the food to go market is growing. Trends such as Streetfoods are increasing in popularity, a UK market worth over £600 million and growing by 20% per year, according to industry organisation British Street Food (britishstreetfood.co.uk).

Cutlery is often essential when eating a meal on the go. Wooden cutlery (chip forks) have been commonplace in fish & chip takeaways for many years. And most recently brands such as McDonalds have rolled out paper cutlery as an alternative to disposable plastic forks.

At Celebration Packaging we offer disposable cutlery in various materials, to beat the plastics ban.

Paper Cutlery

EnviroWare® Paper Cutlery is sourced from sustainable trees. The range includes paper knives, forks and spoons in standard (large) and shorter (small) lengths.

Paper cutlery is certified according to FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) standards. Paper cutlery is smooth and surprisingly sturdy, with the large knife, fork and spoon having a reinforced handle for additional strength.

Paper cutlery alternative to plastic cutlery

Bagasse Cutlery (moulded fibre)

Consumers may already be familiar with Bagasse moulded fibre takeaway boxes. Many streetfood vendors across the UK have now switched to bagasse boxes and food trays to serve their food, in an effort to move away from traditional foam takeaway packaging. Celebration Packaging, have recently introduced Bagasse disposable knives, forks and spoons.

Bagasse is a by-product from processing sugarcane into edible sugar. This tree-free, fast-growing resource is abundant – approximately 1.8 billion tons of sugarcane was processed in 2020! (statista.com, sugar cane production worldwide).

Bagasse Cutlery disposable knife, fork, spoon

Wooden Cutlery

Our quality disposable wooden cutlery range includes knives, forks and spoons made from sustainable FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) certified wood.

Standard and medium length wooden knives, forks and spoons are available. Along with specialist items including wooden ice cream spades and wooden chip forks.

Wrapped Wooden Cutlery

Developed during the Covid pandemic, our range of individually wrapped wooden cutlery promotes optimum hygiene practices.

Tear open the plastic-free, paper wrapper, for a fresh, untouched item of cutlery.

Individually wrapped cutlery items include knives, forks, spoons and small dessert or tea spoons. Also available, 4-in-1 wrapped meal kits – each containing a wooden knife, fork, spoon and napkin.

Wooden Knife Hygienically Wrapped In Paper

Wrapped Wooden Knife

Wooden Fork Hygienically Wrapped In Paper

Wrapped Wooden Fork

Wrapped Wooden Spoon

Wrapped Wooden Meal Kit