Reducing plastic usage in your restaurant.
Reducing plastic usage has become increasingly popular, and here we share practical tips for minimizing plastic use in your daily operations.
In recent years, interest in plastic reduction has grown, and many strive to eliminate unnecessary and potentially harmful plastic. Plastic is made from fossil fuels, a non-renewable resource, and if it ends up in nature, it breaks down slowly. Additionally, the effects of microplastics on our health are still unknown.
Plastic has its advantages, such as being a lightweight material and extending the shelf life of food. Nevertheless, it is important to consider plastic reduction for health reasons, especially as some plastics may contain hazardous chemicals, particularly soft plastics.
Running a completely plastic-free operation is challenging, but small changes are possible. Transitioning to recycled plastic products and improving waste management are positive steps. A European Union ban on certain single-use plastic items came into effect in January 2022, and from 2024, it also applies in Sweden.
Here are some tips for reducing plastic usage in your restaurant:
- Set realistic goals: Assess how important plastic reduction is for your operation and what investments you are willing to make to transition to plastic-free alternatives. Compare the plastic issue to other environmental issues affecting your business.
- Review your products: Evaluate which products in your operation can easily be replaced with recycled plastic, paper, wood, or bamboo. Start the transition gradually.
- Use natural fiber clothing: Avoid synthetic fibers in clothing, which can contribute to the release of microplastics. Choose clothing made of natural fibers, such as cotton.
- Communicate with your customers: Inform your customers about the eco-friendly choices your restaurant is making. Share information about any material transitions and encourage them to actively contribute to reducing litter.
Alternatives to plastic products
Bagasse.
Bagasse is the remaining fiber material that becomes over when juice from sugar cane is extracted. Bagasse products can withstand high temperatures and are great for both hot and cold dishes. After use the material in the product can be recycled as paper packaging.
- 100% renewable raw material
- Can be reycled as paper packaging
- Withstands temperatures above 100⁰C
Bamboo.
Bamboo is renewable raw material with a rapid regrowth. After use the material can be recycled as paper packaging. Bamboo is a grass that does not require any chemical or pesticides during production. Bamboo binds a lot of carbon dioxide which is good for the environment.
- Raw material with rapid regrowth
- 100% renawable raw material
- Can be reycled as paper packaging
Palm Leaf.
Palm leaf products are made from a 100% renewable and biodegradable raw material: palm leafs. They are made from fallen leafs and are picked when the leafs fall from the trees. The material is suitable for all types of foods: hot, wet and fatty foods. The products can also be used in both freezer and micro. Because the material is completely natural there is no risk that chemicals will migrate to the food.
- 100% renawable raw material
- Withstands temperatures from -25⁰C up to +220⁰C
- Energy recovered by combustion
Paper.
Paper is classified as a renewable raw material provided that forestry is active and responsible, meaning that the forest is replanted and harvested with respect to biodiversity. Growing forests absorb carbon dioxide from the air and store the coal in trees and fields. Forests and vegetation act as nature’s own medicine against climate change.
- 100% renewable raw material
- Can be reycled as paper packaging
Wheat straw.
Wheat straw is a remaining material that is left over when wheat grain are harvested. Wheat straw can then be recycled and from the material you can make paper-like products such as plates. Wheat straw products withstand high heat and are ideal for both hot and cold dishes.
- 100% renewable raw material
- Can be reycled as paper packaging
- Withstands temperatures above 100⁰C
Have you discovered our alternatives to plastic?
We have a large selection of disposable products made from renewable raw materials. Bagasse trays, palm leaf products and PLA straws are some examples. In our materialguide we give you more information about the benefits of each material.
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