One of Australia’s best-known kitchenware brands, Wiltshire, – the maker of the famous self-sharpened Staysharp knife – has released a range of eco-friendly kitchen gadgets called Eco Tool.
The range, which includes chopping boards, is made from low-plastic and plastic-free alternative materials such as sugarcane and wood fibre, wheat fibre, and bamboo.
The eco-friendly handles are constructed from a new bio-based polymer made from combining sugar cane and wood fibre, which results in an 80-per-cent reduction in carbon emissions during production, compared with manufacturing full-plastic products.
Wiltshire Australia brand manager Alicia Gimenez says the plant-based materials it uses are sustainably sourced and the range marks an important step in its goal to reduce its carbon footprint through innovative production methods.
“Australians are environmentally conscious, and we want to provide affordable, sustainable kitchenware options for Australian households”, she says.
“Sourcing sustainable materials for the Eco Tool range, ensures high quality, great looking kitchenware, that is both good for the environment, and a great addition to any Aussie home.”
Gimenez cites a Nielsen study from 2019 which found that environmental issues are a major concern of 77 per cent of Australian households and consumers are actively engaging in sustainable practices, such as recycling and reducing their consumption of single-use plastic – a trend which appears to have gained momentum during the pandemic.
The Wiltshire Eco Range collection comprises 11 kitchen tools and gadgets, including slotted spoon, skimmer, whisk, strainer, can opener, garlic press, potato masher, egg beater, and swivel peeler, all priced between A$8 and $12. They feature non-stick nylon heads, with 98 per cent bio-based polymer handles derived from a sustainable combination of sugar cane and wood fibre.
Wiltshire’s new eco wheat fibre boards are made with 25-per-cent less plastic. They have non-slip rubber rims, a slightly-sloped edge to prevent liquid run off and are dishwasher safe. An additional bamboo chopping board collection provides a plastic-free alternative for cutting or serving. The bamboo they are made from is a sustainable, natural material, which requires no pesticides, artificial irrigation, or re-planting to grow and has the tensile strength of steel – but will not damage or blunt knives. The chopping boards come in various sizes, ranging from $10 to $59.
All of the Eco Tool products are sold online at Wiltshire’s website, or through Spotlight stores.
