Eco-Products and DNO Produce unveiled April 15 a new compostable cup and lid offering specifically designed for K-12 school nutrition programs. The product combination features a 4-ounce molded fiber cup made with renewable resources, which is sealed with plant-based lidding film once food — typically cut fruit or vegetables — has been placed inside, according to the companies.
Due to staffing challenges many school districts continue to face, there is an increasing need for individually packaged, preportioned food, the companies said. DNO Produce is a Columbus, Ohio-based distributor of fresh-cut and bulk produce, servicing school nutrition programs in 17 states. DNO’s prepared produce spares schools from having to sort, wash, precut and portion their offerings and equips thousands of K-12 students with fresh fruits and vegetables daily, according to the companies.
DNO is working with Eco-Products to meet their goal of increasing their use of packaging made with renewable resources. The molded fiber cup is BPI-Certified compostable, and the plant-based lidding film meets ASTM Standards for compostability.
“Our transition to more sustainable packaging is the culmination of a multiyear effort to align our operations with our sustainability goals,” Alex DiNovo, DNO’s president, said in a news release. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for individually packaged produce surged, and we saw an opportunity to make some changes. Eco-Products has been an incredible partner, and we couldn’t be prouder to be part of this revolutionary product.”
“It is fantastic to see this new cup and lid solution making its way to schools across DNO’s footprint,” said Wendell Simonson, director of marketing at Eco-Products. “Projects like this only happen when both sides are truly committed to a new way of doing things, and that’s exactly what is on display here.”
