To help food service operators reached their sustainability objectives, Eco-Products is launching the “ReTHINK Your Impact Challenge” at the National Restaurant Association trade show May 22-25. Eco-Products plans to provide awards in two distinct categories:
1. The ReTHINK Disposables Makeover converts an operator’s existing disposables-free, for one year- to Eco-Products’ renewable and recycled content products, promoting awareness of how some simple purchasing decisions can reduce a company’s impact on the planet.
2. The ReTHINK Sustainability Grant will enable a current Eco-Products customer to have a positive social and environmental impact on their community while partnering with Eco-Products to initiate local greening projects.
“The ReTHINK Your Impact Challenge allows Eco-Products to help businesses take a closer look at their environmental footprint,” said Wendell Simonson, marketing communications manager. “Can they decrease waste, use resources more wisely or assist their community’s green initiatives? Since we now offer products made from renewable and recycled materials, operators have a wide variety to choose from while reaching their sustainability goals.”
Operators new to Eco-Products are eligible for the ReTHINK Disposables Makeover. Existing Eco-Products’ clients are eligible for the community ReTHINK Sustainability Grant, which comprises three $4,000 grants to be awarded throughout the year, totally $12,000.
Entrants can apply online and customers can nominate their favorite restaurants, shops or cafés by visiting www.EcoProducts.com/ReTHINK. Eco-Products will also promote the contest through social media outlets including Facebook (www.facebook.com/eco-products) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/eco_products).
Also during the NRA, Eco-Products will unveil its expanded line of disposables, including a range of products made from the highest percentage of post-consumer recycled content, offering operators a wide spectrum of green solutions to fit every need and budget. The new line includes clear cold beverage cups made from 50% recycled PET bottles, and hot beverage cups made from 24% post-consumer recycled fiber-both of which contain more than twice the recycled content currently available in competing products.
The market for green food service solutions is ripe. According to the NRA’s research, 40% of full-service restaurants and 31% of quick-service restaurants plan to devote more resources to green initiatives in 2010; and four out of 10 consumers say they are likely to choose a restaurant based on its conservation practices.
Eco-Products’ food service products, made from both renewable resources and post-consumer recycled materials, are supplied nationwide to restaurants, hotels, events, sporting stadiums, national parks and corporate cafés.