#United States #Boulder #Veda #Eco-Products #OZZI

Eco-Products Announces Balpex Innovation Center Award Win

Eco-Products®, a brand under Novolex® and a leader in sustainable foodservice packaging, has recently earned recognition for its innovative approach to sustainability. The company has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Balpex Innovation Center Award for its new line of Veda™ reusable containers. Designed specifically for use in cafeterias, campus dining halls, and other foodservice operations, the Veda containers make the process of having reusable options easier and more efficient, ultimately reducing waste in foodservice environments.

The Veda line was developed in collaboration with OZZI®, a known innovator in reuse systems, which adds an element of smart tracking technology to the durable containers. This system not only offers ease of use for diners but also simplifies the integration of sustainable practices within large-scale foodservice operations. Diners have the option to either purchase or borrow a container through a deposit or dining services program. They can enjoy their meals either on-site or to-go and then return the empty containers to an OZZI collection machine, where the containers are scanned and automatically credited towards the next one. Upon return, the containers are thoroughly cleaned and prepared for reuse.

Wendell Simonson, General Manager of Eco-Products, expressed excitement about the project, stating, “We see reuse as the next frontier in sustainable foodservice.” The design of the Veda containers was cultivated to make reusable dining experiences simple for patrons while simultaneously being feasible for operators to implement. As a part of its mission to encourage zero waste practices, Eco-Products aims to provide systems that not only meet consumer convenience but also significantly lower operational waste.

The Balpex Innovation Center Award is conferred to products that exhibit creativity, provide measurable business impacts, and demonstrate enhanced partner value and market differentiation. Balpex is a not-for-profit buying group that consolidates independent distributors across Canada to bolster their purchasing power. The focus on reusable containers, especially in environments like military bases, hospitals, corporate sites, and educational campuses, underscores the importance of integrating waste reduction strategies into various sectors.

In addition to the Balpex award, the Veda line recently received a Bronze Stevie® Award from the American Business Awards® in the Reuse/Recycle category, further validating its impact and effectiveness in promoting sustainable consumption. Simonson reflected on this recognition, emphasizing that these awards highlight critical advancements in reusable systems designed for practical application in everyday settings.

This marks a remarkable year for Eco-Products, as it is the second consecutive year that a brand under Novolex has received the Balpex Innovation Center Award—last year, Waddington North America was honored for its Cutlerease® system that promotes single-use utensil dispensing to lower waste, save space, and minimize germ exposure.

Simonson concluded with a vision for the future: “We strive to make it effortless for food service operators to embrace circular systems that not only enhance convenience for consumers but also contribute to substantial waste reduction.”

For further details regarding the Veda Reusable Containers, visit Eco-Products' website.

About Eco-Products

Eco-Products, PBC, specializes in creating foodservice packaging solutions from renewable, recycled, and reusable materials. As a certified B Corp, the company seeks to facilitate positive environmental change through its innovative packaging, continuously seeks to enhance composting and recycling efforts, and partners with industry players to shift the perception of waste management. With a commitment to zero waste, Eco-Products stands out in the foodservice packaging sector as a leader and champion for sustainability practices.

About OZZI

OZZI offers innovative container systems focused on providing reusable alternatives aimed at reducing waste. Their systems, designed with convenience and environmental benefit in mind, contribute effectively to meeting sustainability targets in foodservice.

About Balpex

Balpex Inc. serves as a not-for-profit cooperative among independent distributors across Canada, enhancing their purchasing strength and providing key resources in the foodservice, packaging, and jan-san sectors.