Google highlights nine winners of its Single-Use Plastics Challenge for testing ideas at its US campus cafes, kitchens; solutions range from reusable snack bags to edible cutlery to data-powered bulk food dispensers, and are highlighted in YouTube videos

Sample article from our Packaging Industry

May 3, 2024 (press release) –

From reusable snack bags to edible cutlery to data-powered food dispensers — plastic innovation is underway.

Last year we launched the Single-Use Plastics Challenge, inviting food and beverage companies to share solutions for reducing the industry's plastic footprint. More than 350 companies applied — a testament to the world's collective enthusiasm for solving this pressing problem.

Ultimately, we selected nine companies to test their ideas in Google's U.S. campus cafes and kitchens. The solutions ranged from reusable snack bags, to edible cutlery, to data-powered bulk food dispensers, and more. We also identified four promising companies that focus on Reuse-as-a-Service (recovering empty packaging for refill), and we're exploring ways of incorporating this type of solution across our workplaces.

We've invited the participants to share more about their products in these short YouTube videos. You can also read case studies on four of the companies at the Google sustainability site. Take a look and see how tackling single-use plastics is not only a possible feat, but one that’s already underway.

Climate Candy produces candy from perfectly imperfect produce, which provides servings of fruits and vegetables and were chosen to test their products at select Google foodspaces as part of the Single-Use Plastics Challenge.
Eco Refill Systems provides cooking oil in refillable stainless steel containers and were chosen to test their products at select Google foodspaces as part of the Single-Use Plastics Challenge.
Gaeastar manufactures 3D printed clay cups and were chosen to test their products at select Google foodspaces as part of the Single-Use Plastics Challenge.
Homefree provides allergy friendly baked goods including vegan and gluten free cookies in bulk and were chosen to test their products at select Google foodspaces as part of the Single-Use Plastics Challenge.
Incredible Eats manufactures edible cutlery with non-GMO ingredients and were chosen to test their products at select Google foodspaces as part of the Single-Use Plastics Challenge.
Loliware manufactures straws and cutlery made out of seaweed based materials and were chosen to test their products at select Google foodspaces as part of the Single-Use Plastics Challenge.
Pulp Pantry manufactures vegetable chips from upcycled ingredients and were chosen to test their products at select Google foodspaces as part of the Single-Use Plastics Challenge.
Sun & Swell manufactures a portfolio of snacks including trail mixes and energy bites in reusable packaging and were chosen to test their products at select Google foodspaces as part of the Single-Use Plastics Challenge.
The Aggressive Good (TAG) manufactures smart touchless dispensers for bulk snacks and were chosen to test their products at select Google foodspaces as part of the Single-Use Plastics Challenge.

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