SCA Celebrates 10-year Anniversary of Tork Xpressnap, Revolutionizing Foodservice One Napkin at a Time

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- It's been a decade since SCA revolutionized the paper goods industry with Tork Xpressnap®. In that time, the dispenser and its 100-percent recycled and certified compostable napkins have saved billions of napkins worldwide by dispensing only one napkin at a time.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131121/AQ21346)

Used by thousands of businesses nationwide, the Xpressnap dispenser has transformed the concept of tabletop napkin dispensers with its simple but strategic design. Using One Napkin, Every Time™ dispensing, Xpressnap prevents patrons from taking unnecessary napkins while also reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

In celebration of its 10-year anniversary, SCA, the maker of the Tork® brand of away-from-home paper products, hosted a series of promotions throughout the year to highlight the napkin dispenser's ability to help restaurant and foodservice operators across the globe achieve sustainable business practices, while also introducing a line extension.

SCA kicked off the monumental year by introducing the Xpressnap Signature Stand and Counter dispenser in January, completing the Signature dispenser family, which also includes a Tabletop and In-Counter model that launched in 2012.

To celebrate, SCA launched the Signature Complete Package promotion and awarded six new Xpressnap Signature customers across the U.S. and Canada media packages valued at a total of $50,000 tailored to their business's specific marketing and public relations needs. Pita Fusion from Round Rock, Texas, was the $25,000 grand prize winner and has since used the opportunity to build buzz around the restaurant's innovative concept and lay the groundwork for expansion.

"Xpressnap has been an important part of our business from the start, reinforcing the fresh, healthy concept we're building by cutting down on the spread of germs, and helping our bottom line by eliminating unnecessary waste," said Nick Calandro, owner of Pita Fusion. "The Signature Complete Package promotion has been transformational, allowing us to reinvest in our brand and develop plans for franchising."

Building upon the Signature Complete Package promotion's success, SCA launched the Every Glance is a Chance campaign in the fall to raise awareness of Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry® campaign and its efforts to end childhood hunger in America. The promotion highlighted the Xpressnap AD-a-Glance®, a powerful tool that allows business owners to create, customize and advertise messaging on their Xpressnap dispensers. The Xpressnap dispenser's tabletop marketing capabilities help increase sales and repeat business, based on a joint study with the National Restaurant Association.

SCA donated up to $5 to No Kid Hungry and Food Banks Canada for each submission during the Every Glance is a Chance campaign. Ten businesses were awarded $1,000 each for developing creative and unique AD-a-Glance designs. Additionally, SCA donated $20,000 to the No Kid Hungry campaign as a show of appreciation to all customers who played a role in helping Xpressnap reach this milestone.

Legacy of Innovation
"As a brand that's committed to helping businesses improve the bottom line, Xpressnap is a leading example of customer-driven innovation designed to bring sustainability and health to the forefront," said Joe Russo, vice president of sales and marketing for SCA's AfH Professional Hygiene business in North America. "In 10 years, millions of Xpressnap dispensers have been placed in food chains, cafeterias, independent restaurants and stadiums to reduce napkin waste and enhance hygiene."

Launched in 2003, Xpressnap dispenser systems have been placed throughout North America, from mom-and-pop restaurants to most of the top 25 quick-service restaurants. Xpressnap dispensers can also be spotted in highly recognized stadiums such as Lambeau Field, Fenway Park, and Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field.  Xpressnap offers a substantial cost savings via a guaranteed 25 percent reduction in paper usage for foodservice and restaurant operators.

"We continue to address the needs and well-being of our customers and are proud that in 10 years, Xpressnap has helped tens of thousands of businesses across the nation reduce labor costs, create healthier environments and provide a better dining experience," Russo said.

About Tork®
The Tork brand offers professional hygiene products and services to customers ranging from restaurants and healthcare facilities to offices, schools and industries. Products include dispensers, paper towels, toilet tissue, soap, napkins, and industrial and kitchen wipers. Through expertise in hygiene, functional design and sustainability, Tork has become a market leader. Tork is a global brand of SCA, and a committed partner to customers in over 80 countries. To keep up with the latest Tork news and innovations, please visit: torkusa.com or tork.ca.   

About SCA in North America
In North America, SCA produces the Tork® line of dispensers, towels, tissue, soap, napkins and wipers used in commercial settings such as office buildings, restaurants, schools and healthcare facilities and the TENA® line of incontinence care products used by consumers at home and in healthcare facilities. TENA and Tork are the global leading brands in their categories. For more information visit www.sca.com/us.

Sustainability
SCA delivers sustainable solutions with added value for our customers from safe, resource efficient and environmentally sound sourcing, production and development. Recent third party accreditations for the SCA sustainability work include Dow Jones Sustainability Index 2012, the WWF Environmental Paper Company Index 2013, and Ethisphere – World's most ethical companies 2013.

About SHARE OUR STRENGTH'S NO KID HUNGRY CAMPAIGN
No child should grow up hungry in America, but one in five children struggles with hunger. Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry® campaign is ending childhood hunger in America by ensuring all children get the healthy food they need, every day. The No Kid Hungry campaign connects kids in need to effective nutrition programs like school breakfast and summer meals and teaches low-income families to cook healthy, affordable meals through Cooking Matters.  This work is accomplished through the No Kid Hungry network, made up of private citizens, public officials, nonprofits, business leaders and others providing innovative hunger solutions in their communities. Join us at www.NoKidHungry.org.  

SOURCE SCA