The Vanguard® range from Detpak, represents an important step forward in sustainable foodservice packaging.
Introducing Vanguard®: Market-Leading No Added PFAS Food Packaging
Made from renewable sugarcane fibre, Vanguard is a comprehensive range of moulded fibre clams, bowls, trays, portion cups and plates manufactured without intentionally added PFAS.
Using proprietary alternative compounds to provide grease resistance without relying on conventional fluorinated chemistry, Vanguard demonstrates Eco-Products’ continued commitment to innovation and responsible material choices.
The entire Eco-Products sugarcane range by Detpak supplied by Shardlows Packaging, has now transitioned to the Vanguard no added PFAS formula.
What are PFAS?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These chemicals have traditionally been used in a wide variety of products to provide resistance to water, heat, oil, grease and sticking.
PFAS are sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals” because they break down extremely slowly and can remain in the environment and living organisms for long periods.
In fibre-based food packaging, PFAS have historically been added to help prevent oils and grease from soaking through the material. However, growing environmental concerns have led manufacturers and packaging organisations to seek safer and more sustainable alternatives.
What is the Vanguard range?
Vanguard is an innovative range of sugarcane bagasse food packaging that contains no intentionally added PFAS.
The range includes:
- Hinged clamshell containers
- Plates
- Bowls
- Food trays
- Portion cups
- Takeaway containers
Vanguard products retain the same familiar shapes, dimensions and applications as the previous Eco-Products sugarcane range. This makes transitioning to Vanguard straightforward for cafés, restaurants, caterers, food trucks and other foodservice operators.
The products remain sturdy, strong and suitable for serving a wide variety of both hot and cold foods.
What makes Vanguard different?
Vanguard uses a proprietary alternative formulation to provide oil and grease resistance without adding fluorinated compounds.
Developing the Vanguard range required extensive research, testing and product development. Eco-Products has patents pending on its alternative formula, which provides the functional performance required for foodservice packaging without intentionally added PFAS.
The Vanguard formulation has also achieved GreenScreen Certified™ Silver status. This certification indicates that the alternative formulation has been assessed for chemicals of concern and is designed to avoid replacing PFAS with another known problematic substance.
Avoiding “regrettable substitution”
When a concerning ingredient is removed from a product, it is important that it is not simply replaced by another chemical that could cause similar problems.
This is known as regrettable substitution.
Eco-Products developed and assessed the Vanguard formulation to ensure the PFAS alternative does not contain other chemicals of high concern or known regrettable substitutes.
This provides greater reassurance for businesses seeking more responsibly manufactured food packaging.
Certified compostable packaging
The Vanguard range combines renewable sugarcane fibre with internationally recognised compostability certifications.
Products within the range are certified to standards including:
- AS 4736 for commercial composting
- AS 5810 for home composting
- EN 13432
- BPI certification
Independent laboratory testing has verified that Vanguard products contain less than 100 parts per million of total fluorine, supporting the range’s no intentionally added PFAS claims and compostability certifications.
Compostability certifications and suitable disposal options may vary between individual products and local facilities. Always check the product specifications and the composting services available in your area.
How does Vanguard perform?
Vanguard products continue to provide the strength and grease resistance required for everyday foodservice applications.
Because the new formulation does not use intentionally added PFAS, its performance is not identical to traditional sugarcane packaging containing fluorinated grease-resistant compounds.
During prolonged exposure to particularly oily or greasy foods, some grease may eventually soak through Vanguard products faster than packaging manufactured using older chemistries. However, extensive trials and customer feedback have shown the range performs effectively for typical foodservice applications.
As food type, temperature, serving time and storage conditions can all affect packaging performance, we recommend testing the product with your specific menu before adopting it across your operation.
How can Vanguard products be identified?
Vanguard products are supplied in Vanguard-branded cartons and feature the word “Vanguard” embossed directly onto the product.
This makes it easy for businesses and customers to identify packaging made using the new no added PFAS formulation.
A more responsible choice for foodservice packaging
The introduction of Vanguard reflects the food packaging industry’s continued move away from intentionally added PFAS in fibre-based food contact packaging.
For food businesses, the range provides a practical way to make a more responsible packaging choice without sacrificing convenience, presentation or everyday performance.
With a broad selection of plates, bowls, trays, clams and containers available, Vanguard offers suitable solutions for takeaway meals, catering, cafés, restaurants and events.
Explore the Vanguard range at Shardlows Packaging
Shardlows Packaging supplies the Eco-Products Vanguard range from Detpak to foodservice businesses throughout Christchurch and across New Zealand.
Our team can help you select the most suitable size and format for your menu, whether you require compostable plates, takeaway containers, bowls, portion cups or hinged food clams.
Browse the Vanguard range online or contact the Shardlows Packaging team for advice, samples and product availability.
Choose renewable sugarcane food packaging with no intentionally added PFAS—without compromising on strength, convenience or presentation.
Complete Catalogue from Detpak – contact Shardlows Packaging for pricing and availability