Citizens of Soil, renowned for their award-winning extra virgin olive oils, are committed to transforming a commodity into a vibrant community. They are proud to unveil a single-serve format of their Great Taste-winning Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Andalucía, utilizing Notpla’s seaweed-based packaging—a market first in the UK.
This innovative material renders the pipettes 100% natural, biodegradable, home-compostable, vegan, and even edible! The cleverly designed pipette allows oil enthusiasts to explore EVOO in a refreshing new manner. Users can easily pinch and twist the nib to remove it, then squeeze the pipette for a controlled, drip-free release.
Notpla, awarded the 2022 Earthshot Prize, established by Prince William as part of his leading climate initiatives, has been recognized for creating a plastic packaging alternative from seaweed. It holds the distinction of being the ‘first and only’ material classified as plastic-free by a European Union member.
So far, their solutions have successfully replaced 16 million pieces of single-use plastic destined for the environment.
Citizens of Soil was the pioneering brand in the UK to introduce refill options for extra virgin olive oil when they launched lower-waste pouches at Waitrose last year. Their core range is now also available on Ocado, underscoring their commitment to innovation and transparency in the olive oil sector.
By sourcing directly from small-scale groves, Citizens of Soil not only champions female producers but also promotes regenerative agricultural practices that enhance soil health, biodiversity, and nutrition.
The brand is a leader in transparency, showcasing quality indicators on packaging, such as the harvest date, specific olive varieties, producer information, and polyphenol (antioxidant) content. They provide full traceability from farm to table.
More about the EVOO:
- Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Málaga in Andalucía
This vibrant and peppery oil boasts a fragrant fruitiness, highlighted by distinct red tomato aromas from the fruit and vine. On the palate, expect subtle hints of fresh celery and a zesty bitterness reminiscent of lemon peel, coupled with a warming sensation of ginger and black pepper spice.
Ideal pairings include peppers, tomatoes, and rice dishes. During the cooler months, it complements hearty stews and beans beautifully. Experiment with it alongside everything from mango to Manchego.
The producer, Marina, a dynamic young woman, is revolutionizing her family’s groves with a mobile mill to extract the freshest fruit flavors, all while employing sustainable practices that distinguish them in the region.
(Bottles typically retail for £24.50 for 500ml // £22 for 500ml pouch)
Led by Olive Oil Sommelier Sarah Vachon and drinks expert Michael Vachon, Sarah states: “I’ve long been a fan of Notpla’s inspiring work to transform the packaging and waste space. Since Citizens of Soil is deeply rooted in its impact on people and the planet, this partnership reflects our shared values.”
She further elaborates: “We continuously strive to minimize our footprint. However, finding a solution that addresses the fragile nature of premium extra virgin olive oils poses challenges. Light, air, heat, and time are adversaries that can degrade EVOO, and many plastics as well as traditional ‘eco’ packaging solutions can leach harmful elements. Notpla offers a nature-based and edible material that has undergone extensive testing and trials.”
In addition to their launch on Ocado and the presence in over 150 Waitrose stores, Citizens of Soil is featured throughout the entire Booths estate and continues to offer limited-edition Extra Rare bottles at notable retailers such as Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason, Sous Chef, and leading independent stores nationwide.
More about the Notpla Pipettes:
Notpla Pipettes provide a groundbreaking, plastic-free solution to packaging and serving oils, dressings, and condiments. With a controlled release of 10ml portions, they are perfect for drizzling oils over pizzas, enhancing salads, or sweetening dishes with honey.
Made from seaweed extracts, the entire packaging is 100% natural—edible even—and can be conveniently disposed of in food waste after use. This offers a viable alternative to the 2 billion single-use plastic sachets and pots discarded globally each year.
Designed not only for sustainability but also for functionality, the pipettes ensure a seamless experience. Opening them involves a simple twist of the nozzle, followed by a controlled drip release of oil. Each robust vessel contains a single dose of high-quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil available in a delightful range of flavors.
“It’s partnerships like this—with true pioneers of sustainable solutions—that empower us to demonstrate what’s possible with genuine, natural alternatives to single-use plastic. Together, we’re promoting convenience and exceptional experiences without the guilty aftertaste of plastic pollution.” – Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez, Co-CEO & Co-Founder of Notpla
