Dart products earn sustainability recognition

Two leading third-party organizations have recognized several Dart products for meeting their high standards for compostability and recyclability.

• TÜV Austria – a well-respected international standard for compostability – certified all Dart-designed molded fiber products as home compostable, meaning they break down in most backyard composting systems and don’t have to be sent to a commercial composting facility.
• The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) awarded its Design® for Recyclability Recognition to Dart’s new clear microwaveable hinged containers, square plastic bowls and clear polypropylene cups, meaning they’re compatible with existing recycling systems in North America.

“These acknowledgements underscore Dart’s commitment to thoughtful innovation and sustainability across our product lines,” said Michael Westerfield, Vice President of Sustainability. “By designing packaging solutions that meet rigorous compostability and recyclability criteria, we’re meeting the needs of our customers and contributing to industry-wide progress toward a more sustainable future.”

TÜV Austria

The TÜV Austria OK Compost HOME certifies that Dart’s molded fiber products break down in standard home composting systems without leaving harmful residues. Dart is one of only a few foodservice packaging manufacturers to receive this certification of our molded fiber products. Dart’s molded fiber products – manufactured in the US and internationally with a minimum of 96% renewable resources – are grease resistant and PFAS free.

Dart’s molded fiber product portfolio includes square and round dinnerware, hinged trays, squat, round and oval bowls, portion containers, and hot cup lids.

Association of Plastic Recyclers

The APR Design® for Recyclability Recognition affirms that Dart’s clear microwaveable hinged containers, square plastic bowls, and clear polypropylene cups meet their strict guidelines related to material composition, product design, and compatibility with common Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs). These products were tested to ensure they can be sorted and reprocessed within existing North American recycling systems.

“APR commends Dart for its leadership and taking action to increase the recyclability of their packaging,” said Steve Alexander, APR President & CEO. “Recyclable packaging means less waste, more efficient use of limited natural resources, and more high-quality post-consumer resin for new products. Dart receiving the APR Design® Recognition is well deserved.”

This recognition aligns with Dart’s First Use to Next Life™ approach to sustainability and its focus on designing and manufacturing products. Products that meet Dart’s highest standards of sustainability earn its ProPlanet™ Seal.