What is compostable and it’s benefits for you and the planet?

/

Firstly, it’s very easy to get confused between ‘compostable’ and ‘biodegradable’, although they are similar in some ways, they are not the same. Biodegradable refers to something that can be left outside and will naturally decompose. To a certain extent a lot of things are biodegradable, as over millions of years they will gradually decompose! Compostable means something will decompose into natural elements in a composting environment. The time this takes can depend on the product and the environment it’s in, but it’s a quicker process than biodegradable products. Compostable products can provide the earth with nutrients once they are broken down, compared to biodegradable products which can produce toxins that are harmful and not good for our planet.

Compostable is all about being environmentally friendly and helping our planet. Waste has become a big issue recently and we can’t afford to carry on the way we have, we need to think sustainably for the future and protect our planet. Compostable products help to minimise waste as the product is decomposed back into natural elements and used as compost. For this to happen, compostable products must be disposed of in the correct way to ensure they are taken to a composting facility and not to landfill. Your waste management company will help you make sure your compostable products are disposed of correctly.

Consumers are becoming more aware of the waste issues facing our planet and like to do their part to help fight them. Research shows that 61% of consumers consider green packaging when deciding where to shop. Consumers feel they are helping to keep a clean planet and a more sustainable environment by choosing companies that use compostable products. Therefore they are more likely to use a product if it’s compostable, because they know it’s not causing more waste problems but helping to resolve it. Did you know? A large amount of the world’s leading brands are aiming for 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable products by 2025.

What is EN13432? EN13432 is an official standard for compostable products. Products with this certification meet the criteria needed for a product to turn into compost in the correct environment. This can be shown on products by using the Seedling logo, which is a registered trademark with European Bioplastics. The Seedling logo helps to identify the product and the correct disposal option, facilitating correct waste separation, collection and recovery.

Here at Nutshell we care for our environment and like to do our bit to help. We have launched some new products made of compostable paper, starting with our Enviro sugar flatsticks in both white and brown sugar and Enviro salt and pepper sachets. Our Compostable paper is based on renewable resources that complement your packaging and sustainable business ethos.

Choosing compostable won’t cost you the earth – in fact, you will be helping to save it!

Macmillan Cancer Support - World's Biggest Coffee Morning

/

Nutshell are pleased to be supporting Macmillan again this year, with the World’s biggest coffee morning.

Macmillan do a great job in supporting those affected by Cancer. Whatever cancer throws at people, Macmillan are right there providing physical, financial and emotional support to help people live life as fully as possible. To help raise funds, Macmillan have created a campaign for the ‘World’s biggest coffee morning’ on 27th September 2019, encouraging everyone to join in!

Eshot Header.jpg

We are not only holding our own coffee morning to raise money but have also manufactured bespoke Macmillan sugar sachets. Interested? Claim your free cases of 300 *Limited Edition* Macmillan Sugar Sachets for your Coffee Morning. A limited number of cases are being made so Reserve yours now! First come first served!
Don’t forget to send us a photo of them in use and we will donate £5 to Macmillan on your behalf.

Process.png

Free Macmillan Sugar Offer valid for Nutshell Customers only, maximum order of 5 cases per Nutshell customer – we would like to encourage you to offer these to your customers, however we can only deliver to Nutshell Customer Accounts & Deliver to one delivery address. Deliveries should be made with a Customer order otherwise a carriage fee may apply. To enable Nutshell to donate £5 for every Macmillan Coffee morning held, submitted images of the Macmillan Coffee Morning must contain a picture of our Macmillan sachets.

Our 2019 Coffee Morning!

This year we held a cake competition to help raise funds for Macmillan, with a prize for ‘best taste’ and ‘best decorations’. There was some great entries and everyone enjoyed having a fun time eating cake! Here are some photos of the delicious cakes…

Why great portion presentation is key in your cafe and how to achieve it successfully

/

Brand is key - How is your brand being presented through your display of drink ancillaries? Let’s take a look at ancillary portions vs loose ancillaries.

Portions - Sachets or Sticks

  • Keeps a clean and tidy area

  • Easy stock management, forecasting and budgeting

  • Space for brand extension and promotion

  • Consumers can take away

  • Consistent portion size

  • Compostable paper option available

 
 
 

Loose - Bowls or Shakers

  • Size of serving can vary, causing inconsistency in taste

  • Unhygienic

    • Bacteria and viruses transferred by shared spoons ( or worse; fingers), jars and shakers

    • Exposed to airborne germs from coughing or sneezing

    • Target for pests - Attracts ants and wasps in summer

    • Potential contamination by rodents, animals and birds

  • Larger bags to dispose of

  • Pots can become untidy and messy

  • Quickly goes lumpy in damp weather

Why should you choose Fairtrade?

/
Why Choose Fairtrade image.jpg

Fairtrade is about helping farmers and workers in developing countries receive fair trade terms, so they can afford to live their lives sustainably. There are more than 1.66 million farmers and workers in Fairtrade Certified producer organisations, of which there are 1,411 organisations across 73 countries.

When you choose Fairtrade you help the farmers to have;

1.       Better Prices
Farmers in developing countries receive better prices for the raw materials and products they sell when you purchase Fairtrade products, making their work more sustainable as they receive the needed income to farm and live.

2.       Decent Working Conditions

Farmers and workers can work in safe and acceptable working conditions, with no slavery or child labour used.

3.       Local Sustainability

Makes the local economy better with farmers taking control of their own businesses and the profits staying in the local community. Workers on Fairtrade certified plantations invested 33% of their Fairtrade Premium in housing improvements in 2016.

4.       Equality

Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them to improve their position and have more control over their lives.

As a result = Sustainable Quality Products

Fairtrade products are higher quality and have a great taste as they are often from smaller farms where farmers take pride in their work and pay closer attention to detail, making sure the product is the best they can produce. Also with a fair price they can invest more into their farm to develop their processes and products, small producer organisations spend 48% of their Fairtrade premium in services for farmers, like provision of agricultural tools or farmer training.

It’s all about Fair-trade! Remember Fairtrade Fortnight runs from 25th February to 10th March, kick-start your campaign now!

Visit our Fairtrade products page!

For More Information, please visit www.fairtrade.org.uk

Macmillan Coffee Morning!

/

On Friday 28th September 2018 we helped to support Macmillan Cancer Support Charity by joining in with the ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’! Here at Nutshell we put our baking hats on and created some marvellous cupcakes. Everyone joined in, decorating a cupcake in the quirkiest way possible - we had some fantastic results! We are pleased to say we raised a total of £107.50 for Macmillan, a very worthwhile cause.

We also created and produced ‘Limited Edition’ Macmillan Sugar sachets here at Nutshell, offering these to our customers to help contribute to their coffee mornings with free sugar! They looked great! We committed ourselves to donate £5 for every photo sent back to us of our customers coffee morning. Thank you to everyone’s support in this,

2S6C9923.jpg