Sustainable Birch Cutlery

OEM Case Study:Sustainable Birch Cutlery

a UK-based casual dining chain, aimed to align its “green light meal” positioning by replacing traditional plastic cutlery with eco-friendly alternatives—while enhancing brand identity through custom-designed tableware. After supplier evaluation, PRET partnered with a domestic FSC-certified birch cutlery manufacturer for a full-cycle OEM customization project.
Customization Requirements & Solutions
Material & CompliancePRET required cutlery to meet EU LFGB food contact standards and achieve industrial compostability within 180 days. The manufacturer provided FSC-certified birch wood (processed via high-temperature steam sterilization, no chemical additives) and supplied BRC food safety system certification, satisfying the brand’s environmental and safety criteria.

Product & Process Customization

Size Matching: Tailored a set (165mm knife, 160mm fork, 160mm spoon) to fit PRET’s menu (salads, sandwiches, hot soups);
Branding: Used laser engraving (instead of ink printing, to avoid contamination) to add the PRET logo, French phrases “SÉLECTION” (selected) and “ÉCOLOGIQUE” (eco-friendly) on handles, reinforcing brand messaging.

Production & Delivery Workflow

Pre-Production Sampling: Samples (including material testing and engraving proofing) were finalized in 7 days to confirm visual and functional alignment with PRET’s needs;
Bulk Production: 40-ton high-pressure molding (far exceeding the industry’s typical 200kg pressure) ensured burr-free cutlery with 90℃ heat resistance;
Custom Packaging: Complementary kraft paper individual packaging (printed with PRET branding) created a fully eco-friendly “cutlery + packaging” loop;
Logistics: With a 100,000-unit MOQ, shipments were delivered in batches to European warehouses via sea freight, with full FSC traceability and customs documentation.
Project Outcomes

Brand Value: PRET strengthened its “sustainable light meal” image via compostable birch cutlery + custom branding, lifting customer satisfaction with its eco-efforts by 22%;
Cost Optimization: The OEM model reduced unit costs by 35% vs. imported alternatives, while complying with EU environmental regulations (avoiding plastic cutlery fines);
Supply Chain Efficiency: The manufacturer supported small-batch, frequent replenishments to match PRET’s seasonal promotions, boosting inventory turnover by 18%.