Bentology

Obentec, Inc., established in February 2002 by Amy Hemmert and Tammy Pelstring, manufactures reusable lunch containers and lunch accessories, and publishes books aimed at improving family nutrition and reducing waste. In the fall of 2002, Obentec launched its first product, Laptop Lunches, which provides parents with the tools they need to pack nutritious, waste-free lunches for their school-age children. The Laptop Lunch product is made up of two components: a versatile, kid-friendly reusable lunch container, and a book of creative lunch-making ideas, The Laptop Lunch User's Guide: Fresh Ideas For Making Wholesome, Earth-friendly Lunches Your Kids Will Love. In the summer of 2003, Obentec introduced the Laptop Lunch insulated carrying case and water bottle, and launched the complete Laptop Lunch System, which includes the Laptop Lunch with all containers and utensils, the Laptop Lunch User's Guide, the insulated carrying case, and water bottle. Later that year, an ice pack was also introduced. Obentec was founded in response to what the two Santa Cruz moms observed at their children's schools: lunchboxes packed with prepackaged lunch items or with food packed in disposable baggies, plastic wrap, wax paper, or foil--virtually all bound for the landfill. At the same time, the nation was becoming more aware of the risks associated with childhood obesity, yet at schools across the county, many children are still eating lunches made from foods that lead to obesity. Tammy and Amy soon discovered that adults too were interested in their stylish, waste-free Laptop Lunches for work, school, and for travel.