DEI FRATELLI SUSTAINABILITY
Helping the Earth with Every Dei Fratelli Tomato
At Dei Fratelli, sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s been part of who we are since the beginning. Back in 1923, Carl and Lena Hirzel started growing and canning tomatoes with a simple goal: to preserve their own fresh tomatoes for others in their community to enjoy all year round. Over time, that goal grew into Hirzel Canning Company, and the brand you know today—Dei Fratelli.
For over 102 years, our family, our farms, and local grower partners have used sustainable farming practices that protect and rebuild the soil. From smart crop rotation to planting cover crops that prevent erosion and keep the land healthy, we’re constantly improving how we farm to support a healthier planet.
A Legacy of Sustainability
In 1999, third-generation farmer, the late, John E. Hirzel helped launch the Agricultural Incubator Foundation (AIF)—a place where farmers, scientists, and educators come together to learn and share new ideas. Thanks to this work, The Ohio State University now has a special Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Site named after him. It’s a place for innovation and growth, just like our farms.
FUN FACT: Lou Kozma is a fourth-generation family member and nephew of John E Hirzel. He is also the President of Hirzel Farms today!
Pictured (from left to right): Lou Kozma and John E. Hirzel
Turning Scraps into Soil
At our Hirzel Farms, we don’t waste anything. Our licensed composting facility collects tomato trimmings and other leftover plant materials from the canning process. That waste combined with other organic waste material gets turned into more than 12 million pounds of nutrient-rich compost every year. The finished compost is used to enrich local soil and is even available at nearby nurseries for consumers to purchase for their gardens. This Hirzel Farms compost is certified for use on organic farms and is approved by the Ohio EPA.
Smarter Water Use = A Healthier Planet
Water is a limited resource, and we treat it with care. We’ve designed our canning process to reuse water multiple times, reducing waste and helping protect local water systems.
Dei Fratelli Sustainability: Good Food That Feeds the Future
Choosing Dei Fratelli means supporting a brand that’s fully committed to sustainability and a better future for everyone. We believe real change starts in the fields—with soil that’s nourished, water that’s protected, and farming practices that help future generations thrive.
Together, we can protect the planet, grow nutritious food, and make every bite count.
Discover Dei Fratelli. Discover Sustainability.
SUSTAINABILITY AT HOME
Dei Fratelli Cans and Jars
Our cans, jars, and lids are all 100% recyclable! Just check with your local recycling center to make sure you recycle them appropriately!
At Dei Fratelli, we use the highest quality glass jars and steel cans this means that you can repurpose our packaging in fun ways like turning used cans into a planter, candle, or even pencil cup and using our glass jars for pantry storage or DIY projects! Just make sure to clean the cans and jars thoroughly and file down any sharp edges.
Did you Know…
Dei Fratelli Pasta jars have mL measurements on the side?
This is perfect for dry good pantry storage or even using the glass jar as a measuring cup!
You can also give our Jarred Lentil Pasta recipe a try! Yes, you can cook pasta in used pasta sauce jars, and yes we have a delicious recipe for it! Perfect for an on the go dinner or work lunch!
Need a way to store that homemade salad dressing? Or a convenient way to blend sauces and dressing by shaking? Use a Dei Fratelli glass jar and store your favorite homemade dressings and sauces for up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
How Dei Fratelli Consumers Recycle at Home
Above all of the others, Dei Fratelli is my brand of choice and has been for as long as I can remember. When I open the door to my pantry, I see rows of the Marinara Sauce & I see rows of empty Marinara Sauce jars. I have so much fun using those jars to measure things in my kitchen. They look pleasing and they bring me so much joy. I just had to let you people know that you are appreciated in a most unusual way! Oh, I love the sauce too.
Have another way you reuse or recycle Dei Fratelli cans and jars? Send us a photo at kbell@hirzel.com or tag #DeiFratelliSustainability on social media for a chance to be featured on our website or social media channels!