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NatureWorks to sponsor NRA compost program

The National Restaurant Association’s Conserve sustainability initiative announced NatureWorks LLC, supplier of renewably sourced materials, as a new program sponsor.

May 13, 2015

The National Restaurant Association’s Conserve sustainability initiative announced NatureWorks LLC, supplier of renewably sourced materials, as a new program sponsor.

Ingeo, a portfolio of bio-based plastics, is used by more than 100 brands and retailers for to-go containers, plastic cups, and utensils in 70,000 stores worldwide, the company said in an announcement. The product is made from 100 percent annually renewable plant materials, and used by food serviceware suppliers for making compostable serviceware in commercial composting facilities, facilitating the diversion of food residuals and organics from landfill, according to the release. 

"We are pleased NatureWorks is helping Conserve implement a vision of a more environmentally friendly restaurant industry. We applaud their efforts to promote composting and help shift the restaurant industry towards a new sustainable future," said Jeff Clark, NRA Conserve Program Director. "Along with our Food Waste Reduction Alliance efforts and partnership with the U.S. Composting Council, we are excited to work with visionary companies like NatureWorks to promote business-friendly, environmental change." 

Food waste reduction and management ranked ninth among 20 top trends at restaurants in 2015, in the National Restaurant Association’s annual "What’s Hot" culinary forecast, NatureWorks said.