Sustainable Packaging Solutions for Food Service Providers
As a food service provider, you have a significant role to play in reducing the environmental impact of packaging waste. From loading dock to ordering, kitchen prep, dining room, and takeaway and delivery, there are various opportunities to address packaging sustainability. In this article, we will explore some of the sustainable options available in each area of your business, including optimizing plastic pallet wrapping, using minimal packaging, labeling bins, providing reusable or paper straws, offering refill discounts, and partnering with third parties to reuse or recycle containers. Let's take a closer look at how you can make a difference through sustainable packaging solutions.
As a food service provider, you have many opportunities to address packaging sustainability. Whether you’re partnering with vendors, taking deliveries, preparing food, serving it or packing it for delivery, here are some more sustainable options to consider for each area of your business.
Loading Dock & Ordering
• Ask vendors to optimize plastic pallet wrapping.
• Suggest reusable plastic or wooden pallets or trays to transport and store.
• Offer to return pallets/ containers to be refilled/reused/recycled.
• Try to encourage suppliers to use minimal packaging or containers that fit your local recycling guidelines.
• Opt for local produce using less protection to travel.
• When possible, try to order in bulk to minimize packaging (as long as you can use it all in time to prevent spoilage and food waste).
• Ask your suppliers about the availability of reuse systems or bulk dispensers.
Kitchen Prep
• Reuse containers you usually have in the kitchen.
• Flatten cardboard/paper before recycling it.
• Ensure that there’s no food left in empty containers.
• Take plastic bags/film to a local facility that accepts them.
• Don’t wrap items in plastic before placing them in recycling bin.
Dining Room
• Label bins according to the sorting guidelines of local collection systems.
• Offer only reusable or paper straws.
• Use empty jars to hold fresh cut flowers or candles on tables.
• Replace disposables with ceramic mugs, plates and cutlery that can be washed and reused.
• Provide collection bins at convenient points with instructions for customers.
Takeaway and Delivery
• Encourage consumers to bring their own reusable cups or containers for takeaways.
• Offer multiple-use cups or containers and a refill discount for using them.
• Choose recyclable or recycled content items when multiple-use items are not feasible.
• Provide napkins, portioned condiments, cutlery, cup lids and sugar sachets only upon request.
• Include a card or sticker with delivery to explain how to recycle containers.
• Partner with a third party to reuse/recycle containers.
• Use paper instead of plastic bags for carry-out and invite customers to use their own totes.
