thinking outside the box... or about the box.

Most of the food that we consume comes in some sort of package. A significant portion of this packaging is generated from one-use, to-go containers and packages. Fortunately, many new, plant-based one-use products have become available for retailers, foodservice providers, and consumers. The product offerings have become very diverse and include many types of bowls, plates, cups, cutlery, clamshells, trays, and more. And they are now made from an equally diverse range of resources including corn, beet, potato, bamboo, and bagasse (the fiber left over after cane juice extraction).

Bamboo and bagasse products are primarily made from pulp and resemble wood paper products. Corn, beet, and potato are used to create PLA, or polylactic acid, which resembles clear, petroleum-based plastic products in its finished form.

The waste stream from conventional, petroleum-based water bottles is staggering. Only a tiny percentage of these bottles ever get recycled. To address this reality, earthpure organics™ became the first company in the country to market a PLA bottle for the bottled water and vending industries. Now, consumers have the option of purchasing a bottle of water that is created from a renewable resource, is completely biodegradable in 80 days, and is BPA and phthalate-free. It is much cleaner and safer alternative for humans and the planet.

earthpure organics™ also distributes a full-line of plant-based one-use packaging. Just like organic food, bio-ware often costs more than its conventional counterpart. But it is the cost of being eco-conscious and green, and mustn’t be measured by the one-dimensional price-point lens. Health benefit, sustainability, and carbon footprint must also weigh into a product’s value. It is not enough, anymore, to think about what goes into the food we eat. Now, we must also think about the “healthiness” of the wrapper.

justin - product development