What are the alternatives to plastic packaging in the foodservice sector?

Every year, over 8 million tonnes of waste, mainly plastic, are dumped into our oceans, and packaging accounts for a significant proportion of this. The foodservice sector has the power to make a difference! 

Why limit the use of plastic packaging? What alternatives to plastic packaging exist to offer a more eco-friendly on-site, takeaway and delivery service? 

‍

3 reasons to limit plastic packaging in your restaurant

Much more than an environmental motivation... 

1. To comply with regulations

In recent years, the French government has taken a number of measures to outlaw the use of single-use packaging. Non-reusable plastic bags were banned in 2016. Then came the EGALIM law banning straws and spoons. In 2023, fast-food outlets were banned from using disposable crockery for on-site catering. 

Passed on January 30, 2020, the AGEC law, against waste and for thecircular economy goes even further. It provides for:

• 100% recycling of plastics by 2025;
• halve landfilling ;
• elimination of single-use plastics by 2040;
• a mandatory rate of incorporation of recycled plastics;

2. To develop your sales

By limiting the use of plastic in your establishment, not only will you be in line with your values, but you'll also be able to convince customers who are sensitive to this type of approach. According to a Harris Interactive study carried out for Observatoire Cetelem, 58% of French people are prepared to pay more for an environmentally-friendly product. Yet packaging is one of the factors that make a product perceived as eco-responsible. The search for alternatives to plastic is becoming a real business strategy to boost your sales. Ecology is much more than a trend, it's a movement that's here to stay. 

👉 Further information: January 1, 2025: end of so-called hazardous plastic food containers

3. Taking care of our planet

The massive use of plastic in packaging and disposable tableware has an extremely harmful impact on the environment. 73% of the garbage on our beaches is made from plastic, and despite this, global production of this material is growing exponentially.

What's more, much of this waste is neither collected nor sorted on a global scale, and even when it is, most of it fails to be recycled. In France, for example, only a quarter of plastic is recycled on average. 

‍

8 alternatives to plastic in foodservice 

Now is the time to take action! Here are a few avenues to explore to bring about real change in your establishment and reduce or even abandon plastic.  

1. Edible packaging

What if we ate our food packaging? Better than limiting the use of plastic, you won't be emitting waste, since everything ends up in your customers' stomachs. You'll also have the added bonus of arousing the curiosity and amusement of your guests. 

Straws made from dough, burger packaging made from seaweed, cutlery and plates made from wheat and herbs - we're already licking our lips! 

2. Bioplastics 

You may have heard of the term bioplastic, but that doesn't necessarily mean you understand what it means. A bioplastic can be biosourced, biodegradable, or both. The former comes from renewable resources such as plants (beet, potatoes, corn starch), animals and algae. Biodegradable plastic, on the other hand, decomposes into natural, non-toxic elements on a human timescale - in other words, it does not persist in the environment, unlike traditional petroleum-derived plastic.

Although bioplastic is energy-intensive to manufacture, its overall balance remains positive compared to traditional plastic. Thanks to its solidity, it offers adequate protection for products, particularly in the event of bad weather during delivery.

3. Bamboo packaging 

Bamboo is emerging as a promising alternative to plastic, thanks to its rapid growth, abundance, low cost and durability. It requires no pesticides or fertilizers to grow, is easy to work with and aesthetically appealing. It can therefore be used as environmentally-friendly food packaging, replacing plastic in trays or disposable tableware.

The widespread use of bamboo must be qualified, however, as it has a number of drawbacks. Overexploitation of the material poses a threat to wildlife such as Asia's red pandas. Its large-scale exploitation also contributes to the deforestation of other plant species. What's more, its processing requires the use of chemicals that can, in some cases, prove toxic to humans.

4. Cardboard packaging 

Cardboard is made from wood, a renewable resource. It is also entirely biodegradable, when manufactured with vegetable-based inks and natural glue. In some cases, cardboard packaging can even be made from recycled materials, further reducing its environmental impact.

Cardboard is a versatile, lightweight alternative to plastic. It's possible to personalize each and every package to reinforce your brand's image, whether it's an eco-friendly, vintage, minimalist or high-end aesthetic. Cardboard offers comparable rigidity and protection to plastic, while being more environmentally friendly. 

👉 Further information: Catering: what does the anti-waste law say?

5. Paper packaging 

Paper packaging offers a flexible alternative to cardboard. Like cardboard, paper is generally made from renewable resources such as wood or banana fiber. It becomes fully biodegradable when combined with natural glue and vegetable-based ink.

The banana-fiber bag has the advantage of using waste materials, while the wood-paper bag is generally sourced closer to home. 

6. Banana fiber packaging

Have you ever considered banana fiber packaging? This is an interesting innovation from Uganda, where a number of companies have taken up the challenge of recovering banana fibers and converting them into paper bags.

Their length is ideal for creating rigid, tear-resistant bags. The use of banana fibers makes it possible to convert waste into a high-quality product, while contributing to the circular economy. Another advantage of this material is that it degrades rapidly in nature.

7. Wooden containers

Using wood packaging offers distinct advantages over cardboard, paper or plastic packaging. This material brings a natural, raw and rustic aesthetic, which can be particularly appealing if you want to emphasize a cuisine based on local, seasonal produce. Wooden packaging can also evoke an upscale image thanks to its rigidity.

8. Other materials 

Other materials such as glass, ceramic or stainless steel can also be used. In this way, your customers will be able to reuse the containers in the future at home, during an outdoor picnic or even divert their use to make a decorative object, for example. 

Disadvantages? These materials are more expensive than those mentioned above. If the majority of your customers are loyal consumers, they may quickly accumulate your containers and discard them over time. 

👉 To find out more: What does the 2024 law say about sorting biowaste for restaurants?

-

Did you like these tips? Don't hesitate to consult our articles on our blog to help you develop your business!

Innovorder is the leader in digital solutions for commercial and institutional foodservice. Our team supports restaurateurs in their digital transformation with an all-in-one solution (cash register, kiosk, online ordering, KDS).