Proven Winners^® Eco+ Containers FAQ

Material - Plant Based
The Proven Winners^{^®} Eco+ Grande^{^®} and Eco Elite^™ Containers are an industrial compostable (ASTM D6400) garden pot, made out of PLA (polylactic acid). PLA is made from natural sugars derived from corn and sugar beet plant parts (not what is eaten) grown right here in the U.S. Starch from these sugars are processed into a biopolymer that looks, acts, and performs like its traditional cousin: petroleum-based plastics.

Dispose of Eco+ Container by Throwing Them Away

Eco+ containers will break down in the landfill hundreds of years faster than traditional plastic containers because Eco+ containers are made of 100% natural materials.

Can Eco+ Containers go into my local industrial composting bin?
If your area supports industrial composting you can put it in your curbside compost bin that gets picked up for industrial composting. This process is where the industrial composter takes and manages all the organics from plant-based plastics, food waste, yard waste, etc., and puts them into windrows. These windrows get to 160 degrees and help break everything down into usable compost. These containers have been tested by a 3rd party and certified for industrial composting, achieving ASTM D6400 standards.

Remember, these plant-based PLA products continue to get smaller and smaller until microbes consume them and turn them back into inert organic products.

How are the new containers different from the previous versions? The new Eco+ Container is different as it will fill the void of the traditional petroleum pot for its robustness and durability. The original formulation was built to breakdown in the ground while planting, but there were hurdles in shipping, packaging, and handling. Also, due to the vast range where Proven Winners pots were being sold and planted, the variations of soil, moisture, and temperatures created different scenarios of the timing of the Eco+ pot breaking down. This formulation will be better for shipping, packaging, and overall durability.

Are the nutrients still present? No, the nutrients were removed for this formulation. We are working towards new options for the future that will allow us to check more boxes.

Has the composition changed? The material properties have changes, but not the sustainability end of life qualities of being Industrial Compostable.

Why are they no longer plant-able? These are not recommended to be planted as the nutrients were a main factor in the pots breaking down faster. Without these nutrients, it will take too long for the pot to breakdown into the soil.

What sizes will be available? Eco+ Grande^{^®} and the Eco+ Elite^™ Find A Composter

How long do Eco+ containers last above ground with plant/soil in them?
The Eco+ Container begins to break down with a combination of heat and moisture so it’s advisable to plant them as soon as you’re able to allow your plants to flourish.

How is plastic made from plants?
Instead of drilling deep into the earth for oil to make plastics, scientists have found a way to break down plants into natural sugars which then can be used to produce a new breed of Earth-friendly plastics called PLA (polylactic acid).

Where are Eco+ Containers actually made?
Eco+ Containers are proudly designed, manufactured, and assembled responsibly in Stillwater, MN.

What is the shelf life of Eco+ Container if they are empty not being used?
If you keep them out of the heat, direct sunlight, and moisture, we would estimate a few years. Heat and moisture are the cause of the Eco-Pots breaking down.

What happens if I throw my Eco+ Container into the Landfill?
Do not worry. Eco+ Containers will break down faster in the landfill than the traditional petroleum garden pots. Plus, we didn’t need to drill for oil to produce it.

I noticed some Eco+ Containers are lighter in color than others. Is this okay?
Yes, not a problem at all. Since Eco+ Containers are made from natural materials, there are sometimes variances in the coloration of the PLA material. This will not impact the performance of the Eco+ Containers, nor deter plants from growing properly.

Will the corn in the pots effect ones allergies?
Triggers of allergic responses are antigens, often proteins, which can be found in air, food, and water. In the case of corn allergens, profilin, a protein, has been identified in corn and in many other plant (food) extracts. When food is heated past the heat-labile point, its chemical configuration changes. Due to the extreme heat and numerous processing steps to convert corn into the material that is used to make the Eco+ Container , it would not contain immunologically reactive profilin and therefore no concerns regarding allergic reactions.