Challenges and opportunities for the food service industry
We understand that plastic packaging plays an important role in the foodservice industry. It helps preserve and extend the shelf life of food and is critical in reducing food waste. Plastic can also be a cheap and convenient option to provide for customers dining on-the-go.
However, we know that many of the plastic items used in the sector are single use making them problematic. These are not captured for recycling, finding their way into general waste and into landfill or incineration or even worse, littered, meaning they pollute our natural environment.
What can my business do?
The UK Plastic Pact has four targets to 2025 each working towards our vision of a world where plastic is valued and doesn’t pollute the environment.
Taking actions which work towards these targets and embedding sustainable practices into your operation is the best thing you can do to tackle plastic waste in your business.
Actions you can take in line with the targets
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Target 1 - Eliminating problem plastics
We have identified eight problem plastics to be eliminated by the end of 2020 plus a series of other plastic packaging items that need further investigation.
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Target 1 - Reduce the amount of packaging used
Use as little packaging as possible whilst ensuring the product is protected and there is no impact on food waste.
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Target 2 - Recyclable, reusable or compostable packaging
Ensure that the packaging you use is designed to be easily recycled and that it contains recycled content. Also look for opportunities and incentives to use refillable containers and consider re-fillable dispensing solutions.
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Target 3 - Promote better recycling behaviours
Use our world leading Recycle Now campaigns to encourage customers to recycle their packaging on-the-go and in your store by providing segregated general waste and recycling bins for your customers and staff.
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