The question is whether a plastic-free future for the HoReCa sector is possible. Let's find out together. In 2021, the European regulation came into force. which established a ban on the consumption in the EU of disposable plastic products , such as cutlery, plates, glasses, straws, cotton buds, drink stirrers and so on.
All these single-use plastic products account for 70% of marine litter. Plastic is resistant to time, so much so that its remains are often found in fish and shellfish.
The emergency is so serious that the European Parliament approved the legislation with 560 votes in favor, 35 against, and 28 abstentions. But how can you make your business plastic-free ? Here are some ideas.
Plastic-free buffet
If aperitivo time is your business's core business , you may be wondering what to do with buffet plates and forks. Porcelain plates are a traditional, plastic-free alternative that's definitely more eco-friendly.
But if your volumes are very large or you don't have adequate washing equipment, the most interesting plastic-free solutions are biodegradable compostable items . For example, we're talking about bioplastic tableware , made from renewable plant-based materials, products made from so-called cellulose pulp , or paper plates and cutlery , which can be recycled and, even if they ended up in the environment, would be biodegradable.
This new market, however, raises the question of how many trees would need to be used to mass-produce these products instead of plastic.
Takeaway
If you work extensively with takeout , you should know that there are some less popular materials that could prove useful. Bagasse is a waste product from sugarcane processing that, due to its strength, is ideal for food packaging. It looks similar to cardboard, but is more eco-friendly .
For takeaway, you could use plates, containers, and lids made of PLA, a family of biopolymers derived from corn starch that are 100% biodegradable. These products can withstand temperatures up to 45°C and are transparent, making them ideal for takeaway coffee.
All wood and bamboo food products are also in high demand. Restaurateurs can choose from a wide range of trays, bowls, cutlery, and containers in various sizes. Bamboo cutlery is a true design object and is completely biodegradable.
In addition to working to replace plastic, you could encourage responsible behavior among your customers by establishing a sort of reward for those who use their own water bottles or coffee thermoses.
Straws: the symbol of the plastic-free revolution
The plastic straw was invented by Marvin C. Stone in 1880 and further improved in 1937 by Joseph Friedman. But the idea is much older: it seems that the Sumerians were using it as early as 3000 BC.
Taking inspiration from the ingenuity of our ancestors and applying it to modern materials, today we find a wide range of plastic-free alternatives.
A colorful, biodegradable, and visually striking paper straw is one option. The risk is that it will wear out at the bottom if left in contact with the liquid for too long.
Already mentioned for plates and cutlery, bamboo is used to make straws that are completely biodegradable, durable, easy to clean and resistant to mold.
In the most fashionable cocktail bars, the steel straw has appeared: Eco-friendly, reusable, and resistant to frequent washing. Glass straws, which should be treated with care, are also enjoying similar success. The linear design and transparent color highlight the color of your drink and make every sip spectacular.
In short, there are many plastic-free alternatives for all needs. We recommend taking the 2021 regulation as an opportunity to renew your equipment with durable and reusable materials . Do you want to do more for our planet? Think about saving energy with Combi Wave Smart, which minimizes consumption and also cooks in stand-by mode.
