Materials we use

Vegware follows its own strict environmental criteria, namely that all products must be made exclusively from annually renewable or recycled materials, and must be compostable. 

Compostable = like biodegradable, but quick!  There's a big difference - know your terminology!

The term 'compostable' can only be used if an item can biodegrade in under 12 weeks. Breaking down quickly is essential to ensure our packaging can be recycled together with food waste, which usually takes 5-12 weeks. Vegware packaging is certified compostable.

But the term 'biodegradable' is much vaguer. A biodegradable material can break down naturally over time, but who knows how long? A log cabin is biodegradable but can stand for generations. So in terms of waste management, the term 'biodegradable' is fairly meaningless! If a product is only biodegradable, there is no guarantee it can break down quickly enough to be organically recycled together with food waste.

Vegware is the UK'S only completely compostable packaging firm. Our clients trust Vegware to supply the most sustainable packaging in the market, and then matchmake clients with local organics recycling services through the Food Waste Network to make sure that the benefits of the materials continue after use.

We use the following materials:

PLA Made from corn starch by Natureworks LLC, as an ideal replacement for oil-based plastic in many applications. These include films, thermorformed products such as cups and deli pots as well as injection-moulded products. 

CPLA A proprietary combination of PLA, chalk and other biodegradable additives. CPLA is suitable for high-heat applications such as making cutlery and hot cup lids, as it can take temperatures of up to 95°C without any deformation. PLA in its natural state is not suitable for high-heat applications, as it will deform with heat above 60°C, so CPLA.

Bagasse This is the dry fibrous residue left after sugar cane fibre has been pressed for juice. It is ideal for producing tableware due to its inherent strength, and can be considered a tree-free paper. Being a waste material to start with means that this is a low impact option.

Recycled paper All of our recycled paper products, such as napkins and paper carrier bags, are manufactured in the UK out of 100 % recycled paper pulp.  

Kraft board We purchase kraft board with a high recycled content where possible. Our paper board products are all UK-made.  

Natureflex A compostable cellophane made from sustainably-sourced wood pulp by Innovia Films. Natureflex has a high oxygen barrier, making it ideal for a multitude of food packaging applications.