Vegware is a global specialist in plant-based compostable foodservice packaging and recently had a coffee cup and lid receive the Cré Certification. They spoke with us about why they wanted this certification.
What was your motivation in seeking certification?
Vegware make these coffee cups in Ireland, so it’s a fantastic to have the industry experts confirm they can be composted in Ireland, together with our compostable lid and any leftovers.
We already have EN13432 certification for well over 200 of our catering disposables. Now with Cre’s certification too for our hot cups and lids, we can add the Irish tick to our hot cups to be part of this new scheme. We love working closely with composters, and Cre brings the sector together.
Many Vegware clients want their branding on a custom printed cup – they can now choose to add the Cré compostable tick as well as the Guaranteed Irish logo. These assurances give extra resonance and confidence to consumers.
Ireland is really embracing plant-based and compostable disposables, and we want composters to process our products with confidence.
How important is sustainability to your brand?
Sustainability is at the heart of what we do, and we have won dozens of sustainability and innovation awards. Our plant-based catering disposables are made from renewable, lower carbon or recycled materials, and can all be commercially composted with food waste where accepted.
Our environmental experts have over a decade of experience in delivering composting solutions. We take foodservice providers on a journey to zero waste, providing support every step of the way. Our award-winning support includes consultancy, staff training, bespoke bin signage and communications for an easy transition to composting.
Our products and zero waste support provide a solution for recycling food-contaminated disposables – helping our customers boost recycling rates. As important as sustainability is to us, the products have the function perfectly and look great too. We are known for our practical and stylish packaging, award-winning quality and unrivalled customer support.
Do you think your customers want packaging that is clearly marked as compostable?
Clear labelling is absolutely vital. By choosing clearly marked compostables, customers can rest assured that they’re using a product with truly green credentials. Vegware is committed to waste management and producer responsibility. We have incorporated our Green Leaf band design onto our range, to give a unified look which helps with recognition and bin choice. We are delighted to add the Cré stamp too, to let customers know their coffee cup and lid are compostable.
We know Irish composters have experienced problems with eco-looking ‘degradable’ plastic disposables which aren’t actually compostable and cause plastic contamination. With Ireland banning oxo-degradable plastics and polystyrene under the Single Use Plastics Directive, it’s high time to choose trustworthy products which are designed for your local composting facility.
Did you find attaining certification a difficult process?
The Cré certification process was simple and easy to complete.
What has the certification meant to you so far?
It’s an understatement to say 2020 has been odd for everyone, and we appreciate every bit of good news all the more. We were delighted to hear that Vegware passed the Cré criteria, and now this will give extra confidence to composters all around the country.
We are looking forward to Cré bringing the sector together on 3rd September to discuss food waste recycling in Ireland, as well as the compostable.ie scheme.