18th April 2013 – Vegware, a company providing environmentally-friendly food packaging, has beaten hundreds of entrants across the UK to win the FSB Streamline Business Awards.
The pioneering firm is the only UK business to provide completely compostable food packaging, avoiding resort to landfill or toxic incineration. Its ‘eco-catering’ products range from wine glasses to cutlery, all of which are based on renewable or recyclable materials, and are entirely plastic-free.
From just a team of two staff in 2009, the company now has customers and franchises across the globe, serving the hospitality and catering industries which have traditionally had a poor recycling rate.
Joe Frankel, MD and founder of Vegware commented: “We saw that foodservice needed packaging which can actually be recycled after use, and responded to that challenge. Our solution of certified compostable catering disposals and full recycling support is helping the UK’s biggest operators meet sustainability targets and save money. As a result, we have enjoyed tenfold growth in three years, and now employ a team of 26, up from two in late 2009. The FSB win is our fifth this year alone, and is fantastic recognition that Vegware is making a positive contribution to the UK economy and global sustainability, and we are truly delighted to see our achievements rewarded.”
Conventional food service packaging is made of a mixture of different materials. Whilst many of these materials may in theory be recyclable if kept clean and separate, once glued together and then covered in food residue, the item is generally condemned to being buried or at best, burnt. Vegware ensures that all materials are compostable which means they can be placed in the same bin as food waste after use, with no need for sorting.
The awards recognise the contribution of small businesses in fuelling the economy’s growth, and the innovative approach business owners are making to boost their fortunes.
Darren Wilson, Managing Director, Streamline said: “Small businesses play a crucial role in supporting the UK economy and as Vegware has shown, the trajectory for growth can be staggering. Vegware identified a clear need in the marketplace, recognised the incentives for businesses to get on board, and made a compelling financial and environmental case for potential customers.”
Colin Willman, Chairman, FSB (Member Services) commented: “We were impressed by the staggering growth of this company, which now has an established footprint in countries from the US to Australia. Vegware fulfills a real need in the world of catering and proves that eco credentials are right at the heart of our economy’s future.”
For more information, please visit Vegware
source: A Taylor, Cctopuscomms
