There are only a few months left before food and drink establishments will be banned from using non-recyclable packaging, so it’s no surprise that many are trialling different environmentally-friendly containers in the meantime.
In January this year, the government revealed the ban on single-use plastics will come into force from October 2023 for hospitality businesses. After a consultation took place between November 2021 and February 2022, it was determined that polystyrene containers and cups; plastic cutlery, trays, bowls and plates; and even balloon sticks, will become illegal due to their disastrous impact on the environment.
At the time the ban was announced, the secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs Therese Coffey said: “Plastic pollution is damaging our oceans and landscapes. By using our finite resources more sustainably and facilitating a circular economy, we can improve our biodiversity, reduce carbon emissions, and make our land and oceans cleaner and healthier.”
She noted that while the introduction of the Plastic Packaging Tax in April 2022, which charges £200 per tonne on containers that do not contain at least 30 per cent recycled plastic, goes some way to protecting the environment, it does not go far enough. This is why single-use plastics will be completely banned in the hospitality industry by October, which means restaurants, bars, cafes and takeaway joints have just over four months to sort out their packaging.
This is why many big names are trialling different ideas, including UberEats. The delivery service has partnered with restaurants in central London to provide reusable containers for food.
This means anyone ordering from certain places around Camberwell could be handed their food in reusable pots or bags. Consumers can then rinse out their containers and book a slot for them to be collected.
As the trial has only just begun, it is uncertain how successful it will be, as couriers will need to return the packaging to the restaurants for redistribution with new orders.
UberEats’ general manager for the UK and Ireland Matthew Price said the pilot scheme has been launched to “make reusable packing more accessible for customers and restaurants alike”.
Wagamama has also revealed new packaging lately, swapping its use of virgin plastic to one that is made from 70 per cent recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It hopes this will reduce its use of plastic by 330 tonnes a year.
The Asian restaurant and takeaway service intends to introduce its new packaging this month, and plans for it to be nationwide before the ban is imposed in October.
Perhaps the biggest fast food establishment in the world, McDonald’s also recently announced its commitment to support the environment. In November 2022, it revealed it will replace plastic cutlery with ones made from renewable paper, which has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
Head of sustainable and ethical sourcing at McDonald’s Nina Prichard said: “We’re committed to taking action on packaging and waste and increasing our use of sustainable materials.”
Owners of food and drinks businesses need to start thinking about swapping their plastic packaging for environmentally friendly alternatives before the October deadline. Start by buying Kraft food boxes wholesale to see how your customers respond to the new containers.
