Launched in 1997, our mission has been to end deforestation and plastic pollution by providing sustainable solutions for everyday essentials. We are committed to leveraging rapidly renewable fibers to create sustainable products for a better tomorrow, from Tree-Free coffee cups and toilet paper to compostable packaging and food containers. Emerald Ecovations products can be found on airplanes and in venues, offices, and facilities nationwide.

Along with 350+ sustainable products, we also provide clients with a full Sustainability Program. A complimentary service that includes quarterly Scope 3 Environmental Impact Reports, access to their sustainability educational platform, the Emerald Sustainability Academy, and participation in their Cradle to Cradle (CTC) composting solution which assists their clients in closing the loop on their waste stream. 

Over a decade ago we laid out our entire action plan on a whiteboard; focusing on what we now call a “Cradle to Cradle Solution.” This concept has guided our efforts over the years, though fulfilling a circular economy was much more challenging than we initially thought. We had to start with sustainable materials, and early research showed that traditional plastics and resins just weren’t cutting it. We realized as far back as 2010 that the recycling narrative was misleading, and that most materials, particularly petroleum-based ones, weren’t truly being recycled.

Our team knew we needed an alternative, and that led us to explore renewable materials. The big question was how to transform these renewable resources into the Cradle-to-Cradle Solution we envisioned. This transformation wasn’t just about production; it also involved the ongoing use of these materials by our clients, who naturally began to ask about the end-of-life for these products. Addressing these concerns was crucial.

One of the key initiatives we adopted is the use of Tree-Free™ technology, which involves the production of paper products from alternative fibers such as bagasse, bamboo, and other rapidly renewable sources. This technology significantly reduces the reliance on traditional wood pulp, thereby helping to conserve forests and reduce the overall environmental footprint.

This led to the creation of eco-friendly packaging solutions. Our packaging is designed to be biodegradable and compostable, which aligns with our mission of promoting a more sustainable planet. By utilizing materials that break down naturally, we help to reduce the long-term environmental impact of our products.

Over the last five years, particularly between 2018 and 2019, we focused on building a comprehensive portfolio centered around this Cradle-to-Cradle Solution, and we’ve made significant strides. We’ve recently launched our Cradle to Cradle Compostability Program to help overcome the common challenges associated with the commercial composting of disposables. Our program connects composters, waste haulers, and select companies to work towards a solution for the growing environmental concerns surrounding disposable products by offering a comprehensive solution for their end-of-life management. The Cradle to Cradle Compostability Program is particularly relevant for professionals at the forefront of implementing composting practices in their organizations and looking for further ways to reduce their environmental footprints.

“In our mission to end deforestation, we’ve been at the forefront of using rapidly renewable fibers and creating a circular manufacturing infrastructure. It’s important for us to close the loop by ensuring compostable materials actually get composted. Our new program will allow companies to take part in the governance of compostability,” stated Ralph Bianculli, CEO and Founder of Emerald Ecovations.

Emerald Ecovations has been an innovator in the sustainable disposables industry. Through our groundbreaking Tree-Free™ technology and Cradle to Cradle Compostability Program, we’ve shown that sustainable practices are not just achievable, but essential. Our common sense approach, ranging from developing rapidly renewable fiber products to providing a comprehensive Sustainability Program, highlights our commitment to a circular economy where materials are used wisely and returned to the earth sustainably. As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue inspiring change and innovation and welcome businesses and individuals to join us on this important path toward a greener planet.

Together, we can turn environmental challenges into opportunities for meaningful impact and lasting change.