Sustainability

Cradle to Cradle Pioneers:

Lifecycle of EcoTensil Products

Disposables are part of our world. EcoTensil’s goal is to offer affordable, disposable, single-use utensils that reduce the amount of costly waste impacting our planet and future generations. 

Middle of Life

Reduce, Reduce and Reduce:

The best ways to reduce our exploding human footprint on our one and only planet is to simply reduce the amount of material we use. EcoTensils are extremely material efficient, literally using about 1/3-1/5 of the material and space of their plastic counterparts!

Reduced shipping:

Reducing material also means a significantly lighter carbon footprint in shipping.

Reduce demo materials:

Because our tasters have a full-sized “bowl” area they can replace costly, dense FULL-sized utensils frequently needed in demos! EcoTasters are used to “plate” samples, reducing the need for a spoon AND a cup.

Beginning of Life

Sustainably managed forests:

The cradle-to-cradle lifecycle of EcoTensils begins with well managed forests, where biodiversity is allowed to thrive, waterways are healthy, and CO2 is sequestered. (See our section on FSC Certification.)

Supporting well-managed forests:

By supporting well-managed forests, we create greater market demand for certified material. This grows a system that supports healthy carbon sequestering forests instead of harmful clear cutting.

Conscientious manufacturing:

Our primary facility has won numerous awards and is engaged in many levels of sustainability practices, from recycling 95% of waste to energy efficiency measures.

100% made in the U.S.:

Our paper is harvested from sustainably logged forests in Arkansas, Idaho, and the Midwest. Localized production in the Midwest reduces greenhouse gases. We are proud to support American companies and their work forces.

End of Life

Compostability

The “GreenDot” EcoTasters have a primarily mineral-based coating as a moisture barrier, and they have passed the ASTM D6868 test for compostability.

EcoTaster after four weeks in compost, compared to a “biodegradable ” spoon in same compost.

In our own “home compost” tests, EcoTasters break down completely in 3-4 weeks, so they easily break down in composting facilities that require 180 days! Happily, the number of compost facilities is increasing, so items like food waste and EcoTasters can be regenerated in a closed loop lifecycle. 

Recyclability:

EcoTasters are fully repulpable and produce high quality recycled fiber.

Reducing waste in land fill:

Importantly, if EcoTasters do end up in the landfill they will have used 1⁄4 the amount of material and take up 1⁄4 of the space vs. plastic utensils.

Our two product lines: • GreenDot  • BlueDot 

• BlueDot line is used for our on-package products, iScoops, and EcoSpoons.
   • Made from FSC* paperboard
   • Our longest lasting utensils, perfect for a full serving.
   • Material efficient – uses roughly 1/4 the material of plastic/bioplastic/wood utensils.
   • Recyclable and compostable at facilities where paper cups are accepted. Check with your local waste management group to determine if coated papers are accepted in your area.

FSC Certification

The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) has strict standards requiring minimal use of chemicals, protection of watersheds, conservation of biodiversity, and reduction of clear-cutting throughout the entirety of the supply chain, from paper mill to final product.

*EcoTensil products are made of material from well-managed, FSC®-certified forests and other controlled sources. The FSC® label means that wood has been harvested to benefit communities, wildlife, and the environment.