Costa Nova and Casafina commit to 100% recyclable and biodegradable packaging
Costa Nova and Casafina proudly announce the use of 100% recyclable and biodegradable packaging in the US.
First orders with “plastic-free” packaging were delivered at the beginning of April, for both B2B and B2C customers. The biggest change to this new policy is the use of eco-friendly starch peanuts to use as void fill.
Startch TM peanuts are an environmentally-friendly alternative to bubble wrap and Styrofoam peanuts. The starch peanuts are made from plant-based sources, naturally renewable and contain no oil or additives. They are certified as 100% compostable and non-toxic.
Costa Nova and Casafina packaging in the US is 100% recyclable and biodegradable. In addition to the use of Startch TM peanuts, both brands already used FSC cardboard boxes (made of 75% of recycled fibers) and recycled paper tape in all packaging.
COSTA NOVA and CASAFINA are committed to reducing their impact on the environment, this includes the products they manufacture. The Plano collection is Costa Nova’s first recycled collection.
“Environmental sustainability is a priority for us. Using eco-friendly packaging is an important part of our commitment toward a circular economy and a better future. In 2020 and beyond we are doing our part to take better care of the planet.”, says Matt Hullfish, VP of Sales and General Manager. As part of our Commitment:
SUSTAINABLE CERAMICS
Our stoneware products are eco-friendly, reusable and recyclable
The use of local natural resources minimizes our ecological footprint
Single-fired production that saves energy and reduces emissions into the atmosphere
Products made with a high % of recycled materials (clays and glazes), decreasing the use of capital, energy, and natural resources
Special projects such as PLANO collection (our first recycled collection made from ECO-GRÉS®) highlight the constant focus on the development of products that are eco-friendly
SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRY
Industrial facilities that are environmentally-friendly
Efficient and innovative and energy-efficient equipment
Renewable energy (photovoltaic)
Reused heat from the kilns to other equipment
Waste management policies and recycling procedures
Advanced water treatment and reduction of water consumption practices
Packaging 100% recyclable (FSC certified cardboard boxes, recycled paper tape and eco-friendly and 100% biodegradable starch peanuts)
New synergies with other entities – ceramics surplus are now considered by-products, and they are reintroduced into the production process
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Producing ceramics in a socially responsible environment is a vital element to us:
Our 740 employees are our greatest assets
We make it our mission to commit to ethical business practices and high standards for human rights
Building social good is in the foundation of our business (job creation, philanthropy programs devoted to increasing the well-being of the surrounding communities, gender diversity, equality and social inclusion practices)
We promote and encourage environmental-friendly practices amongst all employees and suppliers
About PLANO - FROM the earth, FOR the EARTH
Eco-grés, recycled stoneware
Sourced from the surplus of our own factory production, PLANO is the first recycled collection by COSTA NOVA.
All COSTA NOVA collections are produced with respect for nature - reusable and recyclable. PLANO goes even further ahead, telling a unique story of how tableware can be made of recycled materials, completely eco-friendly while remaining beautiful and functional at the same time.
PLANO presents a distinctive organic shape, combining rawness embodied in a clean, strong look. In a reminiscence of the old hand-turned studio pottery, these unique, high-quality manufactured pieces, are designed and curated to be part of unforgettable moments at the table.
About Eco-Gres ®
Eco-Gres® is a registered trademark of Grestel. Products under this label are guaranteed to be made of non-hazardous recycled materials, derived from ceramic surplus and other additives.
All Eco-Gres® products are guaranteed to be food-safe, complying with the International Standards.
In addition, Eco-Gres® is in line with the European directives 2006/12/CE and 2008/98/CE, oriented toward transforming the EU into a «recycling society». This trademark is a result of years of an internal investigation, in collaboration with a local university (Universidade de Aveiro), and the result is an upgraded (recycled) raw material that presents several advantages to the environment:
Natural Resources Preservation – by the reduction in the extraction volume of natural raw materials;
Energy Efficiency – reduced ecological footprint;
Health and Safety –reduction of waste otherwise disposed of in a landfill
The Process - Collect and Recycle
Grestel sees its products and operations as part of a long-life cycle and is committed to taking better care of the community and of the world.
In this commitment to sustainability, Grestel is developing a new raw material, by collecting, recycling and reusing clays and glazes from its own operations and other materials.
The result is Eco-Gres®, a reinvented clay, made of recycled materials and completely eco-friendly.
How is Eco-Gres® made
The Eco-Gres® production process begins by collecting clay waste from our factory and combining it with other materials in order to stabilize the final composition.
The recycled clay represents approximately 25% of all clay purchased from external suppliers. Finally, Eco-Gres® consists of 90% recycled materials and other substances.
The process of converting these surpluses into Eco-Gres® involves a set of sequential steps:
Mixing the products → sieve → homogenization & stabilization → sieve à filter-pressing → shredding → extrusion à shaping à drying à glazing à firing
In the end, a homogeneous and flexible clay body is obtained, ready to be (re) used in Grestel’s production line.
The whole process takes place within the same factory, also contributing to the reduction of our carbon footprint.