The Earthshot Burger is a remarkable initiative that showcases the potential of sustainable practices in the food and beverage industry. The ingredients for this burger were grown in a “greenhouse-in-a-box” developed by Indian company Kheyti, while the cooking process utilized pollution-reducing stoves built in Kenya. Additionally, the burger was served in biodegradable cartons made by Notpla, a company dedicated to creating innovative packaging solutions.
These three initiatives have all received the prestigious Earthshot prize, an award launched by Prince William in 2020 to support innovative solutions that aim to repair and regenerate the planet. In collaboration with popular YouTube channel Sorted Food, Prince William personally served the Earthshot Burger from a food truck in London’s capital, generating significant attention and awareness for these sustainable practices.
The co-founder and co-CEO of Notpla, Pierre Paslier, emphasized the role of sustainable packaging in developing a climate-resilient food system. With their takeaway boxes lined with seaweed, Notpla’s innovative approach has caught the attention of Kensington Royal, Sorted Food, and The Earthshot Prize, ultimately leading to Prince William promoting their benefits and how they contribute to restoring the planet.
Notpla recently launched its range of seaweed-coated packaging, expanding its reach to thousands of caterers and food service businesses across the UK through a partnership with Bidfood Catering Supplies. The seaweed-derived formulation used in their packaging provides grease and water-resistant qualities similar to plastic, but with simpler disposal options such as home-composting or paper recycling streams.
Seaweed is a highly sustainable resource, abundant, fast-growing, and requiring no fresh water or fertilizers. It also does not compete for arable land like many land-based crops, making it an excellent weapon against climate change in the foodservice industry. This aligns with the UK government’s plans to ban certain single-use plastics in England from October this year.
Notpla anticipates further listings and wider international distribution in 2023, driven by the growing demand for sustainable packaging from consumers and the industry. Their partnership with Just Eat Takeaway.com has already resulted in millions of takeaway food boxes ordered by their restaurant partners across eight European markets.
Tristan Kaye, the Commercial Director of Notpla, emphasizes that this expansion of distribution will enable more UK consumers to choose businesses that prioritize sustainability while also ensuring compliance with upcoming legislation changes.
In summary, the Earthshot Burger initiative showcases the potential of sustainable practices in the food and beverage industry. Through collaboration between Kheyti, Notpla, Prince William, and Sorted Food, this project highlights the importance of sustainable packaging and the use of seaweed-coated boxes. Notpla’s innovative solutions are already making an impact in the UK and beyond, contributing to a more sustainable future in the food and drink industry.
