Black Engineer Launches Plant-Based Disposable Utensils Company

Engineer Jordan Hinshaw announces the launch of the first-ever plant-based disposable utensils called Hemptensils, produced by his company GreenTek Packaging LLC.

Made from all-natural elements, including U.S.-grown industrial hemp, Hemptensils are forks, spoons, and knives are 100 percent bio-based (they have no petroleum) and are compostable, meaning they can break down heat and bacteria into water, air, and carbon dioxide.

"There are 40 billion single-use utensils used in America every year, of which barely nine percent are recycled,” Hinshaw said. “And considering the fact that businesses are using more plastic during the COVID-19 pandemic than they previously were, there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050."

Unlike wasteful plastic end-use products, won't harm the environment. And if the products were to end up in a landfill, they would not be devastating to the environment. The products also have a shelf life of more than four years.

"Hemptensils offers a sustainable alternative that leans into the reality of our failing recycling systems to minimize our impact. Using Hemptensils greatly reduces the amount of plastic produced, and as a result, reduces the amount of long term waste created. Plus, working solely with American hemp growers gives us the ability to strengthen our economy. Essentially, by using Hemptensils products, consumers and businesses can play their part to create both a greener, healthier future and a much more sustainable economy," Hinshaw said.

GreenTek puts a major focus on sustainable production, as well as building American communities, farms, and manufacturing in accordance with the federal legalization of industrial hemp (less than 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol) for a stronger, greener economic future.

The California-based company partners with growers in California, Kentucky, and North Dakota and is additionally in talks with a few other co-ops that represent hundreds of acres of hemp in the Midwest to see what can be done with their waste profiles.

In addition to Hemptensils, GreenTek manufactures hemp polymer cosmetic containers and secondary packaging products.

The hemp polymer cosmetic containers offer an innovative solution to the billions of temporary plastic containers produced only to be thrown away. And, from exterior hemp paper boxes to compostable shipping labels, seals, and stickers, GreenTek's secondary packaging products provide the essential accessories for purists and enthusiasts alike.

GreenTek is currently selling Hemptensils products on ecommerce channels, including its own website, Amazon, and the new "Shop" channels on Facebook and Instagram.