Amra Tomlinson
Fairleigh Dickinson University Petrocelli College of Continuing Studies
Aixa Ritz
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As we seem to be overrun with the ever-present plastic and StyrofoamTM food service containers or disposables, a highly motivated company – World Centric – creates compostable containers that are designed to transform waste into new, healthy soil through composting. Mark Marinozzi, Vice President of Marketing, tells of a company that is doing all it can to have a positive impact on not just the environment but on social issues. They are driven by doing well while doing good and striving for a world that is equitable and sustainable.
World Centric is a leading manufacturer of certified compostable food service products from eco-friendly materials. These materials, such as wheat straw and silver grass, once considered waste and byproducts are now utilized to produce compostable containers. Similarly, World Centric has produced disposable utensils which are made from non-GMO poly lactic acid derived from plants and talc. Clear lids and drinking cups are also made of these compostable plastics, which are durable, nontoxic and decompose in 90 to 180 days within an active compost.
This innovation emerged because of the wasteful and non-renewable resources used to make such materials as plastics and StyrofoamTM for food service take-out. The production of these items, especially plastic, is petroleum based and releases toxic chemicals and carcinogens into our ecosystems.
Although the idea of compostable products is not new to the market, World Centric, driven by its values and not its profits, searches out ways of doing good in the global community with a passion for change. World Centric’s charitable contributions and donations are no less than 25% of its pre-tax profits. These donations are guaranteed to nonprofit grassroots organizations focused on social and environmental change. Each year World Centric staff propose and vote on local nonprofits to fund.
Founded in 2004 to raise awareness of large-scale humanitarian, environmental and social issues, the collaborative work of World Centric started as a nonprofit organization out to make a difference by educating the public. In 2009 they became a for-profit enterprise and focused on their compostable product line. While still making a difference, World Centric followed their mission and vision, “a thriving world that exists to be of service to the planet and people.”
In doing so, World Centric’s Founder and Executive Director, Aseem Das, saw a way to be a model of sustainability, not only by selling compostable products but supporting grassroots organizations that can benefit others. Mr. Marinozzi spoke highly of founder Aseem Das and proclaimed, “He is the real deal,” passionate about the company as well as making a substantial impact.
Mr. Marinozzi shared that the commitment World Centric has made is a business model of sustainability, compassion, and forethinking, in creating a business that advocates for zero-carbon footprint, zero waste and a commitment to sustainable causes. World Centric’s compostable food service disposables could make a major impact on the amount of overall plastic utilization. Wheat straw and silver grass, alternatives to wood pulp, are highly sustainable and annually renewable. The ability of producing more with less is a benefit to the natural resources and commitment we have to the planet. Partnerships with other companies, such as Aloterra, can grow and manufacture wheat straw, a perennial grass here in the United States. Mr. Marinozzi states that this partnership follows the World Centric ideology of being efficient, reducing the carbon footprint, being compostable and creating needed jobs.
World Centric has received notoriety for their charitable deeds and has been awarded the 2017 NEXTY Award, which acknowledges excellence in innovation and a desire to deliver healthful, trusted and sustainable products to consumers. Out of 1,500 exhibitors, World Centric was chosen. Aseem Das, World Centric CEO, states, “Getting a NEXTY endorses our commitment to affect change in the world, our mission is to make an impact, and a NEXTY helps us influence other manufacturers and consumers to make better choices and use sustainable packaging.”
World Centric has slowly grown its business of certified compostable products to a business model of a sustainable company. Mr. Marinozzi states that they are a Certified B-Corporation, a gold standard of Green America Certified Business and a member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council along with other distinctions. Their compostable products are sold in numerous supermarkets, including Whole Foods Market.
Considering the amount of plastic and harmful byproducts that are produced when incinerated as well as dumped in our nation’s landfills, compostable products should become the wave of the future. The business model that World Centric has incorporated into their everyday lifestyle and mission sets its sights on reducing waste, a reduction in carbon footprint and the creation of manufacturing jobs. As stated by Mr. Marinozzi, “World Centric, a brand for a better world, makes an impact on your everyday life.”
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Mark Marinozzi, Vice President of Marketing