Highlights
- Introduced a “Close the loop” service - used containers are collected from clients, composted and turned into a nutrient rich compost for local farms.
- Over 182 tonnes of used Vegware packaging has been composted, equivalent to over 15 million coffee cups.
- Established a Composting Collective, creating a network of bring-back points for consumers wanting their used coffee cups to be composted.
Based in Edinburgh, Vegware is a manufacturer of plant-based compostable packaging for use in the food service industry. Conventional packaging has many recycling challenges due to the mix of materials, including food residue. Vegware plant-based disposables can be composted alongside food waste, turning into nutrient-rich compost for local farmers’ fields. Vegware holds the deepest set of compostability certification in the sector, including the first compostable coffee cup lid. Their full product range can be commercially composted with food waste where accepted. Independent bodies have certified that Vegware products can break down in under 12 weeks in industrial composting facilties.
Vegware has been proactive in enabling their packaging to be reprocessed. In 2017, they introduced a “Close the loop” service so that used containers can be collected from their clients, composted and turned into a nutrient-rich compost for local farms. Through this initiative, they have increased recycling rates in foodservice within Scotland. Through this service they have already composted over 182 tonnes of used Vegware packaging, equivalent to over 15 million coffee cups. Based on their success, they have expanded their service into Bristol, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.
Vegware also has established a Composting Collective. This “bring back” scheme unites cafés by creating a network of bring-back points for consumers to access composting services for their used coffee cups.
Vegware operate a community fund to support good causes and is actively involved in educational activities with both children and the wider public. This includes provision of factsheets and posters to inform customers.
The Service Scotland Award recognises businesses that have developed services that bring environmental and business benefits. The judges felt Vegware was a worthy winner of the Service Scotland Award.
Lucy Frankel, Environmental and Communications Director at Vegware said: “We are proud to be recognised by the VIBES awards in the Service Scotland category. This accolade shows it is possible to develop services that offer both environmental and business benefits, allowing participants to contribute to a sustainable Scotland.”