Industry Knowledge

Berkeley California’s 1988 polystyrene foam ban was the first US municipal restriction on foam foodware. Understanding this historical foundation provides B2B context for the foam phase-out trajectory that has continued for decades.

The 1989-1990 McDonald’s foam clamshell debate became pivotal moment in foodservice sustainability — leading to the 1990 announcement that McDonald’s would phase out foam clamshells. This historical event shaped industry trajectory toward more sustainable packaging including compostable alternatives.

The 1980s environmental movement substantially affected foodservice industry, building customer awareness foundation and regulatory pressure that subsequently shaped industry sustainability development. Understanding the historical context provides B2B perspective for modern compostable industry development.

By 1973, the disposable plastic foodware era reached industrial maturity. This historical moment supports B2B perspective on the 50+ year industry that compostable alternatives now provide options to.

Twelve things about industrial composting facilities that surprise even people who work in adjacent sustainability fields — temperature extremes, rejection rates, smell management, energy generation, and the surprising customers buying the finished compost.

The 1990 partnership between Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and McDonald’s established model for industry-NGO collaboration on sustainability that subsequently influenced foodservice industry trajectory. Understanding this historical foundation provides B2B context for modern sustainability programs.

The 1956 introduction of polystyrene foam disposable cups marked the start of the disposable foam foodware era — material later banned in numerous jurisdictions and now addressed by compostable alternatives. Understanding this history supports B2B perspective.

Tupperware’s 1947 launch — and the broader reusable container concept it pioneered — reshaped consumer and commercial food storage. Understanding the historical foundation provides B2B context for modern reusable vs. compostable choices in foodservice sustainability.

The 1954 discovery of polypropylene by Italian chemist Giulio Natta at Politecnico di Milano marked critical innovation that established polypropylene as a major foodware plastic — material now addressed by compostable alternatives.

The 1973 oil crisis substantially affected plastic industry through petroleum feedstock disruption, indirectly contributing to early bioplastic research interest. Understanding the historical context provides B2B perspective for plastic industry economic vulnerability and bioplastic alternative development.

Wedding guest favors made from compostable materials are becoming a popular alternative to plastic trinkets and cheap candy boxes. A practical look at what works, what doesn’t, and what guests actually take home and use.

The 1933 accidental discovery of polyethylene by ICI chemists Eric Fawcett and Reginald Gibson marked the birth of what became the most widely produced plastic in history. Understanding polyethylene’s origin supports B2B perspective on the materials compostables now address.