Plant the seed of innovation
As the only globally operating manufacturer of compostable packaging and catering kit, you could say that Vegware are – by their own unique nature – committed to innovation.
From their roots as a two-partner firm to a worldwide operation employing nearly 50 people, Vegware’s sales have sprouted by over 900% in five years. According to Joe Frankel, Founder and Managing Director of the Edinburgh firm, it’s “hard to protect ideas in our market, so we make sure we stay ahead”.
A grass roots approach
Active in five continents, they’ve found a receptive global audience. Their new project – a RCPLA cutlery range, made from recycled cornstarch bioplastic - uses up waste, contains 90% less carbon than standard plastic cutlery and costs less to create. This dedication to exploring new practices and improving their product has served them well.
According to Frankel, devising new ideas is an organic process. “Innovation sparks internally, or is brought back by our field sales team” he says. “We start from how a product will be used. So whether it needs to be heat-resistant, greaseproof, have visibility and so on informs our choice of materials. Once it appears right in theory, we make prototypes to test and tinker with design. We then need to be sure clients agree. After testing and improving to ensure it is practical and desirable in the market, we launch it.”
Feed your company with invention
Commitment to fresh new ideas is a hallmark of the Vegware approach. It even feeds into the way they support their clients. With a customer roll-call that includes some of the UK’s biggest contract catering companies to UK government offices, the NHS and independent artisan cafes – their Food Waste Network provides intensive recycling support.
Food Waste Network helps customers to minimise the amount of waste they create by matchmaking businesses with the appropriate food waste recycling systems to match their needs. Providing Eco Audits, they offer free and tailored carbon reporting for businesses who wish to monitor their energy use.
Working alongside Scottish Enterprise, they were able to support the creation of the Food Waste network website and apply structure and cohesion to their marketing. It’s an approach which has certainly seen great results.
Growing bigger, taller and stronger
With worldwide clients in the U.S., South Africa, Europe, Australia, the UAE and New Zealand, they continue to grow - and have been nominated in the upcoming UK Packaging Awards.
Frankel credits this commitment to innovation as the fuel behind their success.
His recommendation to prospective companies? “Have a go! The idea for Vegware came to me in California, where I was inspired by the can-do spirit.
Second, ask if it has mass appeal: if not, make sure of opportunities for margin. Finally, really, really know what else is out there – and why your product is different.”
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