Eco-Products, a Novolex brand and leader in sustainable foodservice packaging, has been named the 2025 Balpex Innovation Center Award winner for its Veda reusable containers. 

Designed for cafeterias, campus dining halls and other on-site foodservice operations, the new Veda line makes reusable containers simple and trackable while supporting more sustainable foodservice operations. 

“We see reuse as the next frontier in sustainable foodservice,” said Wendell Simonson, General Manager of Eco-Products. “Veda pairs smart technology with durable design to make reuse easy for customers and achievable on a large scale.”

The Balpex Innovation Center Award recognizes products that demonstrate an innovative approach, measurable business impact, enhanced partner value and market differentiation. Balpex is a not-for-profit buying group representing independent distributors across Canada.

Developed in partnership with reuse innovator OZZI, the Veda line combines durable containers with smart tracking technology designed for campuses, corporate sites, military bases and hospitals. 

Veda containers are easy to use. Diners purchase or borrow a container through a deposit or dining-services program, enjoy their meal on-site or to go, then return it to an OZZI collection machine. The machine scans the container and automatically credits the user for their next one. The container is then thoroughly washed and readied for reuse.

The OZZI system works independently or integrates seamlessly into campus meal plan systems like Atrium and Transact + CBORD.

“Our goal was to make reuse effortless,” Simonson said. “We’ve created a system that’s simple for diners, seamless for operators and powerful in reducing waste.”

This marks the second consecutive year a Novolex brand has received the Balpex Innovation Center Award. In 2024, Novolex brand Waddington North America earned the honor for Cutlerease, an innovative dispensing system that delivers one disposable utensil at a time to cut waste, save space and reduce the spread of germs. Cutlerease is compatible with Eco-Products’ compostable utensils.

Earlier this year, Eco-Products’ Veda line also received a Bronze Stevie Award from the American Business Awards in the Reuse & Recycle category, further validating the innovation and performance of this reusable system.

“These awards represent an important milestone in advancing reusable systems that work in the real world,” Simonson said. “Our goal is to make it easy for operators to adopt circular systems that reduce waste while maintaining convenience for customers.”