To help their business thrive in 2025, operators are considering a holistic approach to sustainability. For many consumers, it is a top-of-mind consideration. According to Technomic, 60% consider social responsibility and sustainability when deciding on a dining establishment to visit.1
For restaurants, sustainability is important both in terms of visibility to guests and reducing waste. Operators weigh the pros and cons of incorporating sustainable measures like the following, while still providing a unique value proposition for their patrons:
1. Compost: Composting is a great way to decrease waste and contribute to circularity in restaurants. Most food scraps are compostable, but certain paper products, such as biobased certified napkins, cutlery, and packaging can also be composted.
2. Control waste: Napkin and hand towel dispensers that have one-at-a-time dispensing can be used to reduce paper waste. Food waste management and audits can also be implemented to more efficiently manage inventory and menu plan to reduce food waste.
3. Reduce single-use plastics: Paper-based replacements for single-use plastics such as to-go boxes, cutlery, and straws are a simple and visible way for establishments to reduce environmental impact.
4. Plant-based menu options: Plant-based options, such as meat and cheese alternatives, have been around for several years now. Today, these products are leaning more towards environmental and sustainability awareness. Implementing them in menus can help tell a restaurant’s sustainability story.
5. Choose regionally sourced ingredients: Purchasing in-season ingredients can help decrease the amount of transit required, in turn decreasing environmental impact.
6. Choose products with sustainable certifications: Operators should consider the environmental certifications of products they are already using. Look for certifications such as FSC, ECOLOGO, Green Seal, BPI Composability, and more.
7. Consider carbon emissions: Lowering energy usage can help decrease carbon emissions. Restaurants should consider energy efficient appliances, such as ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers. Certified carbon neutral dispensers can be a great way to reduce environmental impact as well.
Citation:
1. Technomic, 2023, Global Foodservice Trends and Outlook
*Content provided in partnership with Essity.
