By Denise Langenegger, Contributor
With sustainability at the forefront of modern consumer minds, all businesses should take active measures to reduce their carbon footprint. In the food industry, a great deal of unnecessary waste can be caused by single-use plastics, such as cups, cutlery, food packaging, and more.
Bars and restaurants must take action to reduce their carbon footprint in order to stay relevant, according to Jess Grelle, SVP of Innovation, at leading plant-based food company Safe + Fair.
“With so much focus on sustainability, allergen-free foods and more, all businesses in the food sector must prioritize eco-friendly values to retain consumer respect and trust,” Grelle said.
Taking steps to reduce your restaurant’s plastic waste is the simplest way to lessen your carbon footprint.
Making the Switch to Biodegradable Alternatives
Depending on the workings of your particular business, it may be especially tricky to ban all single-use plastics. However, reducing their use and opting for biodegradable alternatives can go a long way to reducing your restaurant’s carbon footprint.
To reduce the use of single-use plastics, food-based businesses can take a number of steps, including:
Only give out items like straws and cutlery when requested
Put up signs requesting that guests consider the environment and only use what they absolutely need to
Remove self-service stations altogether
Give online order customers a way to opt-in to receive plastic cutlery instead of automatically including it
Replace as many single-use plastic products as possible with biodegradable alternatives
The price of switching to eco-friendly alternatives was once a significant barrier to entry. Now though, as products have further developed and consumer demand for sustainable values has increased, the cost difference between traditional plastics and biodegradable alternatives has become marginal.
What are Plant-based Plastics?
Plant-based plastics are a relatively new, innovative, eco-friendly, and sustainable alternative to traditional plastics (such as petroleum-based polymers or fossil-fuel plastics). Otherwise known as thermoplastics or bioplastics, plant-based plastics are made from natural, plant-based materials such as agricultural waste or cornstarch, although there are many different plants that can be used in the production; sugar cane, bamboo fiber, rice husks, and other food wastes and more.
Why are Plant-based Plastics Better?
The majority of plant-based plastics have a surprisingly similar level of durability to traditional plastics. PLA plastics are similar in structure, making them largely equivalent in practical application but without the negative environmental impact that traditional and single-use plastics cause. That said, PLA does have a lower resistance to heat than traditional plastics, making it inferior in certain applications, such as outdoor use in hot weather.
While plant-based plastics aren’t exactly 100% sustainable, they are a significant improvement to traditional plastics. PLA is compostable, but only by way of an industrial composting plant. Left out in nature, it can take at least 80 years for PLA to fully decompose. Still, given that most petroleum-based plastics can’t be recycled or absorbed by the natural environment and never fully decompose, they are still a considerably better option for the environment.
Plant-based plastics are a better choice because not only do they eventually decompose, but they are also non-toxic, recyclable and make use of natural agricultural waste materials, eliminating the need for using up oil resources, thus reducing carbon emissions.
Benefits of Making the Switch to Plant-based Plastics
In addition to the direct environmental advantages of using plant-based plastics, other benefits to restaurants making the switch include:
Consumers increasingly want and demand it. As consumers become more and more aware of their impact on the environment, their purchasing decisions are shifting, and any food provider not dedicated to sustainability will be increasingly overlooked for one that is. A recent study demonstrates that Millennials in particular are more likely to search for and choose products with sustainable packaging, while Gen Z shoppers are also more willing to pay a premium for sustainable packaged goods.
They can help towards meeting regulations. As governments increasingly impose more regulations in a bid to reduce waste, businesses in the food industry must set their sights on making key changes to not only do their part, but work towards staying compliant as environmental regulations inevitably continue to emerge.
Completing the circular economy. Tthe circular material stream is a vital component of the circular economy; every stage of the lifecycle of a product is considered. Plant-based packaging begins as farmed material and ends as compost, diverting waste from landfills, helping to keep soils enriched and improving agricultural yields. By helping to keep waterways clean and maintaining nutrient-rich soils, restaurants that use plant-based packaging are helping to keep the produce they rely on of optimal quality
Making the Change
Finding affordable sustainable packaging suppliers was once a considerable challenge, but these days the difference in cost is marginal, and the number of suppliers is quickly increasing as the market becomes more and more competitive in response to demand.
Often the best first step for a restaurant wanting to make the switch is to discuss options with the current supplier. If they offer plastic-free alternatives, great; otherwise, ask that they consider doing so.
If your current supplier is resistant or too expensive, ask fellow restaurant and food industry professionals for recommendations. It can also help with affordability to consider whether fellow business owners would be willing to make joint bulk purchases to save money.
Any change is a positive step in the right direction, so consider making the switch to eco-friendly alternatives one product at a time, or choose the top five common plastic products to make a start, such as cutlery, straws, takeout containers, cups, etc.
Final Thoughts
Sustainability is trending to the point that it is fast becoming a significant movement that can have vitally important, positive effects on our environment and the health of our planet. As a restaurant owner, you have the opportunity to greatly enhance your reputation by actively working towards reducing carbon emissions, doing the right thing, and being part of the solution.
