Plant-Based Pizza Box is Compostable
- Published: April 27, 2018
PETALUMA, CA | The first 100% tree-free, plant-based, compostable pizza container from food service ware provider World Centric is hitting the market with the PizzaRound, a new takeout/delivery pizza packaging option. The breakthrough circular container reduces packaging waste, labor, and space needs as well as grease and sogginess that are common with traditional cardboard pizza boxes.
Made from 80% sugarcane and 20% bamboo – both renewable resources – the PizzaRound offers key sustainability advantages that support restaurants’ efforts to minimize their environmental impact. The container’s composability reduces non-compostable packaging at pizza restaurants and supports eco-friendly disposal in areas where recyclers refuse pizza containers with food residue.
Other operational and customer benefits include:
● Less packaging – with no liners, tissue or plastic tents needed to keep the crust crisp, absorb grease or prevent damage to toppings
● Labor and space savings – eliminating the need to fold containers and providing nesting storage that dramatically reduces space needs
● Better food performance – with improved heat retention, built-in grease grooves, and air vents as well as raised ‘dimples’ that help maintain crispness
● Convenience features for consumers – ovenable to 450° for reheating, a removable top that doubles as a server and a dish, and cutting guides for perfect portioning
“The PizzaRound is the future of pizza boxes,” said World Pizza Champion Glenn Cybulski, who consulted World Centric on the design and tested its performance. “Takeout and delivery pizzas can now be hotter, crisper, and free of the cardboard taste that often transfers to the pie in paper containers, reheated in the box they come in, and more sustainable and efficient for pizza restaurants at the same time. World Centric has reinvented everything except the pizza itself.”
The new PizzaRound box will expand World Centric’s line of plates, utensils, cups, and other plant-based, certified compostable food service ware that already support restaurant operators nationwide and in Canada. These products help restaurateurs make an impact on the environment and support global giving.
“Our focus for the past 14 years has been to help the foodservice industry reduce waste and improve its stewardship of the earth,” said Mark Stephany, SVP of sales for World Centric. “Our new PizzaRound not only continues that initiative but also provides true functional innovations that make it possible to deliver a pizza that doesn’t degrade in transit from the oven to the customer’s house.”
The PizzaRound is currently available for 12” and 14” pizzas, with a 16” size to be added later this year. Custom imprinting is also available.
World Centric debuted the PizzaRound at the International Pizza Expo on March 20-22 in Las Vegas.
Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Petaluma, CA, World Centric provides certified compostable products for the foodservice industry to reduce environmental impact. By innovating in plant-based materials and design, World Centric has developed over 250 foodservice and retail products across tableware, cutlery and food packaging. All of World Centric’s products are certified compostable and will turn to soil in commercial composting facilities. As a Certified B Corporation and California Benefit Corporation, World Centric upholds rigorous standards of social and environmental responsibility, and donates 25% of profits to organizations addressing social and environmental issues with more than $1.2 million donated in 2017.
