How to avoid plastic waste

Plastic waste and your business

Plastic products and plastic packaging play an important role in maintaining hygiene in gastronomy, as they protect food, ensure food safety and improve shelf life. However, both the production and disposal of plastic and single-use packaging require resources and have a negative impact on the environment. At the same time, worldwide regulations regarding Single Use Plastics (SUP’s) are increasing. That is why we are supporting our HoReCa customers to use alternatives and dispose of plastics properly. Businesses can generate costs from not managing plastic waste properly. But by doing things differently restaurants can show their customers that they care about the environment and wellbeing of their communities

The impact of gastronomy on the plastic waste challenge

We must act now: the pollution of our oceans from plastic waste has reached dramatic proportions. Even today, a truckload of plastic waste on average ends up in the ocean every minute. If you can picture this, then it should be clear to you that we must act immediately! With your gastronomy business, you can make an important contribution to sustainable development, because your business is closely tied to people and the environment. You may notice plastic waste floating around your local environment and this is something that consumers and the younger generation are no longer tolerating.

How to prevent plastic waste

There are many ways of reducing plastic. The gastronomy sector has many reusable, recyclable and compostable alternatives. National laws on mandatory reuse systems for gastronomy are coming into effect, for example in Germany or France. This means that the HoReCa sector will soon have a future without single-use plastics. When you want to tackle your plastic waste, it helps to know what the different sources of plastics are, how they are used, how to dispose them and what the available alternatives are.

Start with analysing your plastic waste

SIMPLE WASTE AUDIT

A simple waste audit will show you what plastics you have and where you could focus your plastic reduction actions.
Check out some examples that will guide you:

  • Product
  • Delivery Wrapping

  • Food Packaging

  • Water Bottles

  • Takeaway Packaging

  • Gloves, Masks

Product Delivery Wrapping Food Packaging Water Bottles Takeaway Packaging Gloves, Masks
What is the packaging? PVC / PVDC Plastic PET, rPET Plastic PET, rPET Bowls - PET Vinyl, latex, polyester
What is the material? Plastic from crude oil with additives Plastic from crude oil Plastic from crude oil Plastic from crude oil Plastic from crude oil, extracted rubber
How should it be disposed? General waste Depends on the content. Some can be separated into the recycle bin others not Recycle bin Recycle bin or general waste (if food residues) General waste
How much do you have? kg / month kg / month kg / month kg / month kg / month
Have you thought of this? It takes space in your waste bin which you might pay for. Ask your supplier to take the waste back during delivery. Ask your supplier to deliver with a reusable trolley wrap. Ask your supplier for alternatives, less or simpler packaging that can be easily cleaned and separated. Check with your supplier to do a returnable deposit for crates of plastic. This will cut the plastic wrapping and bottles that you have to dispose of. Customers might not want extra plastic to fill their rubbish bins. Since 2021, in Europe, plastic disposables are no longer allowed by law. Ask your supplier for alternatives. Talk to your suppliers about what alternatives they have. This is a difficult issue particularly in times of pandemics and there are not many solutions currently.
Is there an alternative? Ask your supplier to deliver with a usable trolley wrap. Non crude oil based plastics. Tap water when safe. Filtered / treated tap water in house when not safe. Glass bottles - also with deposit scheme. Compostable bagasse, bamboo containers. Container deposit schemes. Cotton masks, Plastic screens instead of masks.

The most problematic plastics

PVDC

PolyVinyliDene Chloride

It is produced from chlorine and can have a negative impact on the environment and human health. PVDC disposal through incineration is problematic as it generates a similar quantity of dioxins as PVC.

PVC

Polyvinyl Chloride

It contains substances called phthalates, which are added to the PVC to make it flexible but these chemicals and dioxins leach into the environment through incineration. Their potential negative impact on human health is a concern and is not fully understood. In addition, PVC is also difficult to recycle. Today less than 1% of PVC is recycled and this is problematic for future recycling targets in Europe. Look at the packaging on products you purchase – try to avoid packaging with the recycling logo number 3 which is a sign for PVC and favour packaging where “PVC free” is communicated.

EPS

Expanded polystyrene

It has very low recycling rates today, as it is 95% air so it is not cost-effective to collect, store or ship. While it is technically possible to recycle, recycled EPS is often contaminated with additives and therefore not suitable for food packaging. As a result, very few regions around the world collect EPS as part of the recyclables stream. It may break into small pieces, even minuscule pieces which are harder to clean up.

Good to know

Since 2021, many single-use plastic items have been banned in the EU. Be aware of the new regulations and find solutions for avoiding plastic waste ahead of time that suit you best.

Plastic that is used only once (disposable) will generally come into your business as containers from delivery such as trolleys and pallets wrapped in plastic film, plastic-wrapped food and drink, containers for takeaway, plastic wrap for use in the kitchen and hygiene items such as gloves.

47% of METRO’s HoReCa customers (globally) want to buy products with more eco-friendly packaging (Metro ́s 2019 global sustainability study).

Many start-ups and scientists are working on new solutions for single-use plastic. It will be only a matter of time before they come to the market and you would be able to make an impact by implementing these new innovative packaging and product solutions. Keep asking your suppliers what they are doing to rethink your current plastic use practices

Simple ways to save energy

As a restaurateur, there are many ways to save energy in your restaurant.

AVOID SINGLE USE PLASTICS

DON’T SERVE PLASTIC STRAWS

GIVE DISCOUNT FOR PEOPLE WHO BRING THEIR OWN TAKEAWAY CONTAINERS

ASK YOUR CUSTOMERS
IF THEY NEED CUTLERY

Introduce tap water

Use returnable deposit packaging and returnable plastic carrier packaging

Use plastic collection and disposal services

Take part in a water fill up scheme

Purchase sustainable packaged products

RETHINK YOUR USAGE OF PLASTIC FILM

ENGAGE YOUR STAFF

Simple ways to prevent plastic waste

As a restaurateur, there are many ways to reduce plastic waste in your restaurant

RETHINK
YOUR USAGE OF PLASTIC FILM
AVOID
SINGLE USE PLASTICS
DON’T SERVE
PLASTIC STRAWS
GIVE DISCOUNT FOR
PEOPLE WHO BRING THEIR OWN
TAKEAWAY CONTAINERS
ASK YOUR CUSTOMERS
IF THEY NEED CUTLERY
Introduce tap water
Use returnable deposit packaging and returnable plastic carrier packaging
Use plastic collection and disposal services
Take part in a water fill up scheme
Purchase sustainable packaged products
Engage your staff

Advanced ways to save plastic waste

Once you have managed to implement first steps to reduce your plastic use you can consider investing in more advanced ways to prevent plastic:

01

Install plastic disposal
and collection services

Ask your local authority to install plastic disposal and collection services where there are none

02

Purchase products
in bulk

Your wholesaler can give you information on what can be purchased in bulk, for example, detergents, oils and dry ingredients
like flour

03

Ask your wholesaler and
suppliers what they are doing

Ask them what they are doing to improve their packaging and if they have a collection scheme or a recycling station at their premises. Talk with your fellow gastronomers about what you are doing and ask them to jointly work together to lobby for change

04

Join recycling programmes

To collect your hard-to-recycle waste you can join recycling programmes, such as TerraCycle

05

Ask your suppliers for reusable packaging

Ask your suppliers for products in refillable, reusable containers, for example, the LOOP scheme

Advanced ways to save plastic waste

Once you have managed to implement first steps to reduce your plastic use you can consider investing in more advanced ways to prevent plastic:

02

Purchase products
in bulk

Your wholesaler can give you information on what can be purchased in bulk, for example, detergents, oils and dry ingredients
like flour

04

Join recycling programmes

To collect your hard-to-recycle waste you can join recycling programmes, such as TerraCycle

01

Install plastic disposal
and collection services

Ask your local authority to install plastic disposal and collection services where there are none

03

Ask your wholesaler and
suppliers what they are doing

Ask them what they are doing to improve their packaging and if they have a collection scheme or a recycling station at their premises. Talk with your fellow gastronomers about what you are doing and ask them to jointly work together to lobby for change

05

Ask your suppliers for reusable packaging

Ask your suppliers for products in refillable, reusable containers, for example, the LOOP scheme

Your Action Plan

  • Analyse your plastic consumption

  • Take action to reduce plastic waste by implementing some simple or even advanced ways

  • Inform and engage your staff

  • Talk to your suppliers and wholesaler for more information

  • Tell your customers about your progress

METRO SOLUTIONS

Applications that can support with menu design or communications are:

METRO OFFERS

METRO supports you with a diverse product assortment and services for your sustainability strategy. Please check out the local METRO or makro website in your country.

X

Rethink your usage of plastic film

Where possible and subject to hygiene regulations, avoid plastic film by using reusable containers or wax wraps.

X

Avoid single use plastics

You can avoid single use plastic, encourage customers to bring their own containers for takeaway and purchase products that are packaged more sustainably.

X

Don’t serve plastic straws

Reflect if you really need to use some items or if they are there because of habit. Therefore, consider not serving straws unless guests specifically ask for them.

X

Give discounts for people who bring their own takeaway containers

Encourage your customers to bring their own containers for takeaway food and drinks and consider giving an incentive like a discount. Ensure that hygiene rules are in place, for example, filling a food container or coffee cup away from the food preparation area.

X

Ask your customers if they need cutlery

Before you give your customers cutlery (knife, fork, spoon, stirrer, or chopsticks) with their takeaway ask them if they actually want it.

X

Introduce tap water

If the water quality allows it, offer tap water for customers.

X

Use returnable deposit packaging and returnable plastic carrier packaging

To reduce plastic, use returnable deposit packaging wherever possible, for example, glass water bottles or plastic crates instead of plastic wrap as returnable plastic carrier packaging.

X

Use plastic collection and disposal services

Your local wholesaler provides plastic collection and disposal services that you should use so that plastic can be properly recycled.

X

Take part in a water fill up scheme

Water fill up schemes put your restaurants on the map for registered uses for people to come and fill up their bottles for free. You do not only show your social awareness, but you also concretely prevent more plastic from being consumed because consumers will not need to buy water in plastic bottles. Moreover, this can also be a way to generate new customers.

X

Purchase sustainable packaged products

Buy products that are packaged sustainably. This means simple packaging without PVC, PVDC and EPS. This might also lower your disposal costs.

X

Engage your staff

The use of plastic is closely linked to habits. Therefore, it is essential to communicate the necessity and the benefit of using less plastic to your staff. Involve them in regular updates and briefings on your plastic use policy, place posters in easy-to-see places to remind them of new habits, and let them know that input from each one is needed and appreciated.