It’s well-known how restaurants produce large amounts of waste and trash, which damage the environment. Packaging is one major contributor to this issue.
The Covid-19 pandemic brought high demand for takeout and delivery. Restaurants also had to move away from reusable containers due to Covid-19 concerns.
High Costs of Eco-Friendly Packaging
Aside from the pandemic, greener packaging is also more costly and likely require restaurants to tweak their operation processes. These factors make it difficult for restaurants to quickly make a change. Many are already struggling during the pandemic as is.
Examples of Restaurants Trying Out Greener Packaging
Just Salad has recently expanded its reusable bowl program from regular orders to digital ones. The company also highlighted its zero waste delivery initiative. Just Salad also rolled out a plastic-free meal kit service that give customers just the right amount of ingredients to reduce waste.
Sweetgreen has made a goal to be carbon neutral by 2027. The company already uses compostable takeout containers, making it more of a leader in the sustainability space.
Burger King is working with Loop, a circular packaging company. They will introduce reusable containers in this pilot project.
McDonald’s is doing something similar as Burger King with a Loop collaboration. In its German locations, the massive chain is also testing reusable systems.
In terms of startups, some are working with restaurants to roll out both reusable containers and automated cleaning processes. They include DeliverZero in New York and Dishcraft Robotics.
The issue of packaging is an opportunity for restaurants to innovate. Not only can eco-friendly packaging help the environment but it can also keep food warmer for longer, which is especially helpful for deliveries.
A Gradual Process of Change
Making packaging better for customers and the planet is a collaborative effort. Restaurants will need to work with designers, regulators, and scientists.
The shift from cheap, disposable containers to costly reusable and recyclable options will take time. Still, several restaurants are making progress. Hopefully, more will follow.
Reference:
The Restaurant Trash Problem Is Actually a Major Opportunity
