How caterers can satiate consumer and regulatory hunger for eco-friendly options
By Alexus Medina, Sabert
Today, all aspects of foodservice operations are under scrutiny, from sourcing to water conservation to food waste. Consumers and lawmakers are increasingly pushing the foodservice industry to adopt practices that will get us closer to creating a sustainable food ecosystem. This heightened awareness creates unique opportunities for caterers to stand out. Businesses that embrace this shift can refresh their brand identity, attract eco-conscious clients and potentially command premium pricing.
The path forward requires careful consideration of operational needs, costs and food packaging strategies that not only meet sustainability goals but also enhance the overall customer experience and brand reputation.
Key Areas of Regulatory and Consumer Pressure
With sustainability and waste reduction remaining top priorities for consumers and legislators alike, here are three key areas caterers and foodservice providers should be paying attention to today.
- Extended Producer Responsibility Legislation
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation aims to reduce packaging waste and create a dedicated investment stream to build and expand recycling/composting infrastructure. Five states have passed ERP legislation for packaging, and 10 more introduced bills in 2024. The parameters of each state’s EPR programs vary, resulting in uncertainty around fees, timelines and responsibilities. As legislation evolves, operators should collaborate with their food packaging suppliers to make the best packaging choices for end-of-life-management and their unique operational needs.
- State Laws and Packaging Bans
In the push for a circular economy, many states have enacted laws to ban certain types of packaging that contribute to waste, such as polystyrene foam. This year, new food packaging laws are planned to take effect in four states, including bans against the use of polystyrene foam by food vendors in Delaware, Oregon and Rhode Island. In Illinois, events with more than 3,500 people in attendance are required to provide access to recycling and composting bins. These bills signal that lawmakers are not backing down from sustainability, and more states will likely follow suit in the coming years.
- Sustainability Transparency
Consumers increasingly demand transparency, sustainability and environmental responsibility, including where and what they decide to eat and who to buy it from. The Sustainable Restaurant Association found that 65% of consumers are more likely to choose a catering service that prioritizes sustainability. At the same time, consumers are having a hard time deciphering between what’s really sustainable and what’s “greenwashing,” when businesses make misleading claims about the environmental benefits of their products. This need for transparency is resulting in a push for labeling laws to help drive consistency in how companies use eco-centric statements, messaging and proper product disposal instructions.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives for Caterers
For caterers and foodservice companies navigating the sustainability landscape, a key component that can be explored is the adoption of eco-friendly food packaging alternatives. In recent years, there have been significant advancements in material science to develop packaging options that balance environmental impact with performance and fit-for-use requirements. These material advancements offer sustainability benefits and ensure packaging meets durability, functionality and performance needs in catering applications.
The following are sustainable packaging options foodservice providers should consider adopting to get ahead of packaging laws and meet consumer preferences.
- Molded Fiber and Paper
Recyclable and/or compostable options, such as molded fiber pulp, are growing as attractive alternatives because they are designed to break down into compost and reduce waste. Similarly, paper is another solution that already has an established recycling infrastructure. Another benefit is that caterers can leverage paper solutions due to the printing capabilities and branding opportunities. Both molded fiber pulp and paper products have seen advancements in fit-for-use, from microwave and oven compatibility to coating treatments for improved durability and barrier protection.
- Recycled Materials
More and more packaging producers are investing in packaging materials made from post-consumer recycled content, such as plastic water bottles and bottle caps. Plastic packaging made with post-consumer recycled content like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polypropylene is one avenue caterers can explore to contribute to a circular economy and advance sustainability goals.
- Reusable Packaging
Reusable packaging is gaining traction as a sustainable option for foodservice companies who operate in closed-loop environments, like universities or stadiums, where reclamation, washing and reuse of items can be controlled. Innovative packaging producers are beginning to offer products that can stand up to 150 washes. Caterers might opt for reusable packaging over permanent ware for events in settings like tailgates or outdoor parties.
A Sustainable Future for Catering
Along with eco-friendly packaging, embracing sustainable catering practices can also involve careful menu planning to avoid overproduction, incorporating organic and local ingredients, and adopting waste-reduction strategies like donating excess food to local food banks or providing extra packaging for clients to store and take leftovers.
The foodservice industry has been on a sustainability journey for the past several years. As more states look to enact laws around food packaging and waste—and consumers continue to call for sustainability—foodservice providers who aren’t prioritizing eco-friendly packaging options are likely to fall behind. Make sure to work with a food packaging solutions provider who can partner with you no matter where you are in your sustainability journey.
About the Author
Alexus Medina is director of product management at Sabert Corporation, a global leader in innovative and sustainable food packaging solutions. In her role, she works with customers to create a suite of packaging options to suit their foodservice needs.
For more information, visit sabert.com.
