The Push to Remove Plastic from the Catering Sector

We are constantly evolving as a society and we are gradually eliminating harmful materials from our daily lives and part of this involves the removal of plastics from the dining table. Using natural materials like bamboo, we can replace a lot of plastic items associated with catering, while stainless steel is another great solution. There is a global agreement to reduce the manufacture of plastic products, which are non-biodegradable, not to mention the oil used in the plastic manufacturing process and there are efforts to replace plastic items with paper, throw-away items that are biodegradable.

A Global Problem

While it is not obvious to all, millions of tonnes of plastic end up in the ocean around the world and currents take it all to certain parts, where the damage to marine life is immense. There are, however, eco-friendly companies that sell bulk stainless steel milkshake cups and a wide range of paper products that are harvested in a sustainable way. We’ve all seen the reports of young entrepreneurs who have come up with great ways to collect and remove plastic from the seas and oceans and they are in fact true! While the private sector is doing its bit for the environment, governments are slow to respond, despite scientists and nature experts calling for more action.

Disposable Solutions

Once we nailed biodegradability, disposable plates, cups and other items are the best solution and most catering businesses make good use of throw-away items to package their products. Giants like MacDonalds and KFC all use biodegradable items and have done for several years, which means a huge reduction in plastic use in the industry. If you run a food outlet, search online for eco-friendly packaging solutions, of which there are many. The consumer is very switched on regarding the environment and they prefer to buy from green businesses and when you change your practices to become greener, your customers will appreciate your efforts. If you are looking to start your own business, here are a few tips.

Bamboo

This hardy tropical species has proven to be very versatile and using technology, it is possible to make bowls, cups and cutlery from bamboo, plus lots of other cooking and kitchen implements. Of course, in tropical countries, bamboo has long been a popular material that makes for great building and so many other things can be made with this unique species.

Biodegradable Plastics

There is some research being carried out to see if we can find a way to make a plastic that is biodegradable, but until then, we must collect and remove as much as we can, while also reducing the use of plastics in all industries and we have declared war on single-use plastic, which all helps to reach the eventual goal of eliminating pollution altogether.

What Can you Do?

Don’t buy plastic products and you are already part of the solution, not part of the problem. Look for products made from natural materials and if we all do this, there will no longer be a demand for plastic products and that will lead to a ceasing of using the material.