Kyocera Introduces Plastic-Free Retail Packaging for Ceramic Knives & Kitchenware

Kyocera, a leader in ceramic cutlery since 1984, will introduce 100% plastic-free packaging for its line of ceramic knives and kitchen tools during the U.S. Natural Products Expo West (Booth 3425, Hall D). The new packaging is part of Kyocera’s global sustainability commitment and will reduce the company’s total plastics use by more than 20 tons per year — a CO2 reduction impact equal to more than 570,000 trees — from packaging ceramic knives and kitchen products alone.* Globally, Kyocera has formulated a long-term plastic recycling and elimination strategy in line with the Osaka G20 recommendations, aiming to eliminate new plastic pollution in the marine environment by 2050. Emphasizing Both Sustainability and Safety When redesigning the packaging to eliminate plastic, sustainability and safety were key priorities. This required a complete package redevelopment to ensure that the ultra-sharp ceramic knives would remain secured safely in place by the new paper and cardboard materials. The new interior cardboard inlay holds the knives securely in place, protects the blades in transit, and can be repurposed to store the knife after purchase. The colorful new packaging emphasizes whole-foods cooking and the key benefits of using ceramic knives for easy meal preparation — with icons highlighting hand-sharpened blades, dishwasher safe, lightweight and extremely sharp. Available in English, Spanish, French and German, the new packaging will roll out in retail channels selling Kyocera’s ceramic knives first in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania beginning in late spring 2023. Kyocera’s mandoline slicers, peelers and graters will begin adopting the new plastic-free packaging in late summer. Environmental preservation has been a core tenet at Kyocera for decades, and we try to pursue sustainability in ways that don’t impose new challenges on the consumer. *Based on Kyocera’s research (Jan. 2023)