Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Bristol-based housewares brand Smidge has won the most innovative kitchenware category of the inaugural BuyMeOnce Excellence Awards 2019.
BuyMeOnce UK is a curated ecommerce retailer for sustainable products which launched in 2016. It said that for the past four years, it has been ‘meticulously researching brands to discover the very best in their commitment to sustainability, durability, exceptional aftercare and eco-innovation.
‘2019 marks the first year of the BuyMeOnce Excellence Awards. We will run the awards annually with the aim that they will eventually become known as a kitemark of longevity and sustainability. Each winning brand or organisation will have an evergreen oak tree planted in their honour. Oak trees are one of the longest living species with some living over 1,000 years and will be our way of congratulating and supporting those brands that are doing the most to secure the future of our planet.’
Commenting on Smidge’s achievement, BuyMeOnce UK said: ‘We’ve been waiting a long time for reusable coffee cups and picnic utensils which can not only take the place of throwaway versions but can also biodegrade at end of life. So we were thrilled to discover Smidge, which uses natural materials derived from corn to create reusable cups and cutlery which are still dishwasher- and microwave-safe but will biodegrade, leaving no damaging chemical residue.’
Other winners in the kitchenware category include Beeswax Wraps Co.’s reusable foodwraps (for ‘waste reduction’), ROK’s Presso eco-friendly espresso maker (for ‘most sustainable’), Dualit appliances (for ‘most repairable’) and Solidteknics’ cast iron pans (for ‘most durable’ and ‘best aftercare’).
The team at Smidge said it is ‘very grateful to receive an award from an organisation whose focus is finding sustainable brands with a real desire to make a difference.’
Smidge is also the winner of the product design-consumer category of The Design Week Awards 2019. This honour was awarded to Sanders Design: the agency that helped to create Smidge and bring the brand to life.
Officially launched at Spring Fair 2019, Smidge was created with the intention to tackle the widespread problem of single-use plastic. Products include coffee cups, hydration bottles and chopping boards – plus the new 100% Natural Collection, which is made of plant materials and is 100% biodegradable.
Smidge marketing manager James Robinson said: “We have had an overwhelming response to Smidge from all around the world. It fills us with confidence and drives us forward with hope for the future. We are extremely grateful for the awards and recognition so early on in our journey.”
Learn more about Smidge at www.wearesmidge.com
