Let’s face it, in the past, takeaway packaging wasn’t the most eco-friendly. Whether it was the plastic cups and cutlery or the polystyrene trays, despite tasting great these items were harmful to the environment.
Thankfully, all of that is now changing. With governments and the private sector working hard to reduce our impact on the planet, these days there are plenty of eco-friendly options for you to choose from.
Here we’ll be going over some of the items you can purchase to help reduce the plastic waste you and your customers contribute, cleaning up the planet and helping you stick to the rules on single use packaging.
Change To Rules
Before we go into the specific items you can purchase to help rescue your environmental footprint, you should be aware that there are now rules in place on the food packaging you can and cannot give to your customers.
Since September 2023, food businesses have been banned from using single-use packaging. The ban includes all online and over-the-counter sales and it covers packaging items from new and existing stock.
Trading Standards departments will have the authority to fine and prosecute any business not complying with the rules. So to avoid hefty fines, it’s best to abide by the rules and stick to biodegradable packaging.
As well as legal compliance, research shows that customers would rather shop with environmentally conscious companies, so boasting your green credentials with biodegradable packaging should foster customer loyalty.
Spoons And Forks
Certain foods, particularly those drizzled with luscious sauces or topped with sticky ingredients, are ideally enjoyed using a spoon or fork.
With the recent regulations phasing out plastic utensils, it’s essential to provide your patrons with biodegradable alternatives.
Fortunately, there is a plethora of sustainable utensil options available, predominantly crafted from recycled wood. These alternatives are not only economical and eco-conscious but also offer your customers the convenience they appreciate while adhering to regulatory requirements.
Serviettes
The slight downside to indulging in greasy takeaway food is the inevitable sticky fingers and lips post-feast. To prevent this messy predicament for your patrons, offering serviettes is a wise choice.
We supply a variety of napkins, which can be customised with branding should you wish. Whether plain or branded, incorporating napkins is an inexpensive and effective method to elevate the customer experience.
Kraft Boxes
Constructed from biodegradable paper derived from wood pulp, kraft boxes are a standout choice for food packaging.
Robust and adept at maintaining temperature, these boxes are suitable for both hot and cold items, ensuring your sweet offerings remain fresh for an extended period.
Our selection includes wholesale kraft food boxes, providing an eco-friendly packaging solution for your dessert needs.
Kraft Paper Bowls
In addition to boxes, kraft paper is also fashioned into bowls. These containers are typically more apt for dishes with liquids like soups or noodles but can be equally functional for certain desserts.
Especially for those serving warm treats like cake with custard or gooey brownies, kraft bowls can help keep desserts heated, enhancing the enjoyment of your offerings.
Kraft Paper Bags
Capitalising on the resilience and durability of kraft paper, we also produce bags to help your customers carry their food home with them.
As well as helping your customers get your food home nice and warm, they contribute to minimising plastic waste, helping both you and your patrons comply with the latest environmental regulations.
Plastic Pollution
Plastic takeaway packaging causes serious harm to our environment. Every year, tons of this packaging ends up in landfills and oceans, where it can take literally hundreds of years to break down.
During this time, it poses a threat to wildlife as animals can mistake plastic for food and consume it, leading to fatal consequences. Additionally, as plastic decomposes, it releases harmful chemicals into the soil and water around it, contaminating our natural resources.
The widespread use of plastic for takeaway packaging is not sustainable, which is why it’s important for businesses to do their bit and collectively help reduce the damage these items cause.
So those are some of the sustainable items you can use for your takeaway business. Luckily, we have all these items so browse our range if you’re looking to stock up!