In today's world, where sustainability is more important than ever, every choice we make matters—especially in the catering industry. Whether you're hosting a large event or running a small café, the equipment you use can have a significant impact on the environment. From reducing waste to minimising your carbon footprint, making eco-friendly choices isn't just good for the planet; it's good for business too.
In this guide, we'll explore the best sustainable alternatives to traditional catering equipment, helping you make informed decisions that benefit both your business and the environment.
Environmental impact of disposable catering equipment
Sustainability expert Josephine Liang highlights the significant environmental impact of disposable packaging, reporting that it generates 11 billion pieces of waste each year. Additionally, packaging is estimated to contribute to one-fifth of all waste in the UK, underscoring the substantial role that disposable packaging plays in the country's overall waste problem.
Although it may not always be possible to choose reusable catering equipment, it is worth exploring eco-friendly alternatives that will minimise the impact of our carbon footprint.
Attracting the eco-conscious consumer market
As environmental concerns gain prominence, consumers are more attentive than ever to businesses' efforts to reduce their carbon footprints. By opting for eco-friendly catering supplies, your business can clearly demonstrate its commitment to the environment. Recent studies show that 72% per cent of people are purchasing more eco-friendly products now than they did five years ago. This puts businesses that are already using eco-friendly catering equipment at an advantage and allows them to be especially appealing to eco-conscious consumers.
When customers choose your business over less eco-friendly alternatives, they can feel confident that they're reducing their environmental impact.
So, what are the options for eco friendly catering disposables?
Considering the environmental impact highlighted above, transitioning to eco-friendly disposables is a vital move toward minimising your ecological footprint. But with so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to start. From biodegradable cutlery to compostable plates, the market offers a wide range of sustainable alternatives that are just as convenient as their traditional counterparts. Below are just a few of the eco-friendly catering options we offer here at Nobisco.
Wooden cutlery
Birchwood cutlery is not only an aesthetically pleasing choice for most catering businesses, it also offers many sustainable properties, some of which are:
- Made from sustainable and renewable sources such as bamboo and birch
- Easily compostable
- Strong and long-lasting
- Hypoallergenic
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Ideal for takeaway meals or buffet lunches
- Multifunctional - Wooden catering equipment can be used for both cooking and serving
Wooden cutlery available at Nobisco
At Nobisco, we offer wooden spoons, forks and knives made from birch wood, which is a sustainable and eco-friendly material. Whether you are looking for cutlery for your next office party, cafe or restaurant, our wooden cutlery range is a stylish and affordable option. Each of our cutlery options comes in a case of 1000.
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| Wooden Fork (Case/1,000) | Wooden Dessert Spoon (Case/1,000) | Wooden Knife (Case/1,000) |
Paper cutlery
Unlike traditional plastic cutlery, paper cutlery offers both convenience and eco-friendliness. Our paper spoons, knives and forks are designed with usability in mind, making them strong enough to handle a wide range of dishes, and suitable for all types of catering events. Opting for paper cutlery offers the convenience of disposable utensils while also supporting a greener, more sustainable future, making it a key element in eco-friendly catering practices.
Some of the key properties include:
- Biodegradable
- Convenient
- Environmentally friendly
- Stylish and modern design
- Recyclable
- Strong and sturdy
Paper cutlery available at Nobisco
Whether you are hosting a large corporate event, catering for a party, or running a fast food business, our range of paper forks, spoons and paper knives are the perfect choice for green disposables. Not only will you be contributing to a cleaner environment, but also providing your customers with stylish and modern eating utensils.
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| Paper Fork Large 160mm (Case/1,000) | Paper Spoon Large 160mm (Case/1,000) | Paper Knife Large 160mm (Case/1,000) |
Bagasse catering packaging
Made from pressed sugarcane fibres, our bagasse plates are a great alternative to the traditional plastic option. Bagasse is a dry, fibrous material produced from crushing sugarcane stalks, originally considered a waste by-product of the sugar manufacturing process. Some of the benefits of switching to bagasse plates are:
- Commercially compostable
- Lightweight
- They are suitable for both hot and cold foods
- Leak proof - Ideal for restaurants offering takeaway meals
- We offer a range of sizes including 7”,9” 10” plates, 8oz & 12 oz bowls
Bagasse plates, bowls & trays at Nobisco
At Nobisco, we offer a range of bagasse made catering packaging from plates, bowls, chip trays and food boxes. All our products in this range are ideal for hot or cold food and are also recyclable, compostable, and biodegradable. Take a look at what we have to offer below.
Bagasse plate sizes
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Bagasse bowl sizes
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Bagasse trays and box sizes
Palm leaf plates
Tableware made from palm leaf is another eco-friendly option that combines style with modern aesthetics. Whether you operate an events business, a restaurant, or organise large corporate gatherings, our compostable palm leaf tableware is versatile enough to meet your needs. The benefits of choosing palm leaf tableware include:
- Can be cleaned and reused
- Impermeable to water and oil
- Compostable
- Strong and durable - Ideal for serving food and beverages instead of plastic trays
Palm leaf tableware available at Nobisco
At Nobisco, we stock a range of tableware made from palm leaves. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but also eco-friendly and sustainable. It’s also impermeable to water and oil with a heat resistance up to 220°C, making it ideal for displaying and serving warm foods. Take a look at our range below.
Corrugated cardboard boxes
Alongside our bagasse food box, we also offer corrugated cardboard boxes for storing and transporting food. These boxes are the perfect choice for gourmet food restaurants that offer takeaways. With excellent insulative properties, these boxes are both functional and kind to the environment. Advantages of switching to cardboard food boxes include:
- Flat pack design - easy to transport and assemble
- Compostable
- Recyclable
- Biodegradable
- Ideal for take away businesses and restaurants
- Available in large and small sizes
Cardboard food boxes available at Nobisco
Serving food in cardboard boxes has emerged as a popular trend in mainstream fast food and catering. Eco-conscious customers are increasingly drawn to establishments that reduce plastic use in their food packaging.
Some of the benefits of switching to cardboard packaging include:
- Gourmet burger boxes help to elevate food presentation
- Corrugated cardboard provides insulative properties to help keep food warm and in good condition.
- Keeps food fresh, breathable, and free from odours during transportation.
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Why choose eco-friendly catering?
Eco-friendly catering aligns with the growing demand for sustainable practices, making it a smart and responsible choice for businesses in the food and hospitality industry. Choosing eco-friendly catering offers numerous benefits for both your business and the environment:
- Environmental Responsibility: Eco-friendly catering supplies are often biodegradable, compostable, or made from sustainable materials. This reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and minimises your business's overall carbon footprint.
- Consumer Appeal: As awareness of environmental issues grows, more consumers are actively seeking out businesses that prioritise sustainability. Offering eco-friendly catering options can attract these environmentally conscious customers and help build a loyal client base.
- Brand Image: Adopting eco-friendly practices can enhance your brand's image as a responsible and forward-thinking business. This can differentiate you from competitors and strengthen your reputation. Many of our eco-friendly products are made from natural materials that give a unique and rustic look, which is much preferred over plastic.
- Compliance with Regulations: In some regions, there are increasing regulations around single-use plastics and waste management. By using eco-friendly catering supplies, your business can stay ahead of regulatory changes and avoid potential fines or penalties.
- Long-term Cost Savings: While some eco-friendly products may have a higher upfront cost, they can lead to long-term savings. For instance, reusable items reduce the need for constant reordering, and demonstrating sustainability can boost customer loyalty, leading to increased sales.
Whether you're catering for a wedding, corporate event, or party, our full range of eco-friendly catering equipment and supplies has everything you need to create a memorable event. By choosing our sustainable options, you can reduce your environmental impact without compromising on quality or style.
Take a step towards a greener future and make the switch to eco-friendly catering today with Nobisco.
