Case Study
Case Study
Eco-Dispo & Zerocircle scale PFAs-free food packaging across Netherlands
Eco-Dispo & Zerocircle scale PFAs-free food packaging across Netherlands
Overview
Overview
Eco-Dispo is a Netherlands-based distributor known for accelerating sustainable foodservice packaging adoption across the Benelux region. After introducing agave-based straws to Europe, the company built strong channels with cafés, restaurant chains, and global food brands seeking high-performance, microplastic-free solutions that comply with stringent EU sustainability regulations.
Eco-Dispo is a Netherlands-based distributor known for accelerating sustainable foodservice packaging adoption across the Benelux region. After introducing agave-based straws to Europe, the company built strong channels with cafés, restaurant chains, and global food brands seeking high-performance, microplastic-free solutions that comply with stringent EU sustainability regulations.
The problem
The problem
As EU demand surged for materials free from microplastics, PFAs, and fossil-derived coatings, Eco-Dispo sought to expand beyond straws into premium takeaway packaging. Existing European options often required trade-offs — weaker barrier performance, steep price premiums, or limited scalability. Eco-Dispo needed a packaging solution that met EU SUPD compliance/exemption criteria, REACH standards, and PFAs-free requirements, while remaining cost-competitive and ready for mass distribution.
As EU demand surged for materials free from microplastics, PFAs, and fossil-derived coatings, Eco-Dispo sought to expand beyond straws into premium takeaway packaging. Existing European options often required trade-offs — weaker barrier performance, steep price premiums, or limited scalability. Eco-Dispo needed a packaging solution that met EU SUPD compliance/exemption criteria, REACH standards, and PFAs-free requirements, while remaining cost-competitive and ready for mass distribution.
The solution
The solution
Zerocircle partnered with Eco-Dispo to introduce seaweed-coated food boxes — in both white and kraft variants — tailored for restaurants, cafés, and food brands across The Netherlands and the wider Benelux region. The coatings deliver strong oil and moisture resistance without fossil-derived or toxic additives, ensuring alignment with EU regulatory expectations. Because the coated board runs on standard converting and printing lines, distributors and food brands can transition without operational changes.
Zerocircle partnered with Eco-Dispo to introduce seaweed-coated food boxes — in both white and kraft variants — tailored for restaurants, cafés, and food brands across The Netherlands and the wider Benelux region. The coatings deliver strong oil and moisture resistance without fossil-derived or toxic additives, ensuring alignment with EU regulatory expectations. Because the coated board runs on standard converting and printing lines, distributors and food brands can transition without operational changes.
The first commercial rollout of seaweed-based coated packaging in The Netherlands — built for EU compliance, ready for scale, and designed for modern foodservice performance.
The first commercial rollout of seaweed-based coated packaging in The Netherlands — built for EU compliance, ready for scale, and designed for modern foodservice performance.
Pilot and scale
Pilot and scale
Commercial rollout (2025): Eco-Dispo began distributing Zerocircle’s coated food boxes across its network — marking The Netherlands’ first large-scale deployment of seaweed-based packaging. 1.5 million units sold (as of 2025). Target: Replace 2 million boxes by March 2026. Formats: White and kraft coated paperboard to support brand differentiation, print requirements, and varied food applications. The pilot showed strong uptake from foodservice brands seeking reliable, regulation-aligned packaging that delivers consistent barrier performance without plastic or PFAs.
Commercial rollout (2025): Eco-Dispo began distributing Zerocircle’s coated food boxes across its network — marking The Netherlands’ first large-scale deployment of seaweed-based packaging. 1.5 million units sold (as of 2025). Target: Replace 2 million boxes by March 2026. Formats: White and kraft coated paperboard to support brand differentiation, print requirements, and varied food applications. The pilot showed strong uptake from foodservice brands seeking reliable, regulation-aligned packaging that delivers consistent barrier performance without plastic or PFAs.
The
Impact
The
Impact
Plastic displacement: 1.2m units of plastic-coated packaging replaced across Eco-Dispo’s network.
Reduced ocean-litter risk: Each tonne of seaweed-coated board replaces plastic-coated materials that commonly leak into landfill or marine waste streams.
Economic and social value: Seaweed cultivation and processing strengthen coastal livelihoods across India and Southeast Asia, supporting diversified, ocean-positive income sources.
System integration: Zerocircle’s coated board runs smoothly on existing converting lines and integrates effortlessly into Eco-Dispo’s distribution channels.
Plastic displacement: 1.2m units of plastic-coated packaging replaced across Eco-Dispo’s network.
Reduced ocean-litter risk: Each tonne of seaweed-coated board replaces plastic-coated materials that commonly leak into landfill or marine waste streams.
Economic and social value: Seaweed cultivation and processing strengthen coastal livelihoods across India and Southeast Asia, supporting diversified, ocean-positive income sources.
System integration: Zerocircle’s coated board runs smoothly on existing converting lines and integrates effortlessly into Eco-Dispo’s distribution channels.
Zerocircle fits seamlessly into this value chain. Their seaweed-based coating technology allowed us to significantly strengthen and upgrade our assortment without compromising on performance or usability. Together, we were able to introduce packaging solutions that go beyond existing PLA or PE coatings, offering a natural and circular alternative that aligns with both regulatory developments and market demand.
Eco Dispo
