Making Food Deliveries More Sustainable

One of the biggest considerations when it comes to running a business or purchasing from one is sustainability. In fact, as many as two-thirds of consumers today are willing to pay more for environmentally conscious products or services. 

The food industry has taken a drastic turn since the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumers are changing their dining preferences to deliveries and takeouts, and the demand does not stop there. Because of that, there is a growing concern revolving around the environmental impact of this business model. It can be tough to satisfy the demand for food deliveries while trying to help the planet as much as possible. 

By implementing a few simple changes for your restaurant when offering deliveries or takeouts, you’ll be doing the environment a favor and keeping your customers happy. 

Opt-out cutleries

Give your customers the choice to exclude plastic cutleries from their orders. Most consumers who order them are most likely to eat at home, where they would already have cutleries. Chances are, unused single-use utensils will end up in the trash anyway. 

Advertising a policy of single-use cutlery on request can increase your restaurant’s sustainability credentials in a huge way. However, make sure to keep the option open as some of your customers may want to enjoy their food on the go. 

Eco-friendly packaging

Takeout and delivery packaging are technically unavoidable but sourcing sustainable materials for their packaging might help. Swap single-use plastic packaging with biodegradable ones. Paper is a cheaper option for most foods, but may not be suitable for piping hot dishes or soups. There are many companies manufacturing packaging products using biodegradable materials like plant and vegetable pulp—online research can help in this area.

E-receipts

A simpler way to make your overall business more sustainable is by replacing paper receipts with online receipts. Introducing an e-payment system that offers e-receipts can both improve customer experience and lessen waste generated by your business. Another plus point is that you’ll cut a lot on paper expenses. 

Trade-in programs

Consider offering loyalty points or discounts each time a customer brings their own containers for takeouts. Other than that, provide on-site recycling points to encourage your customers to dispose of packaging materials and food waste mindfully. 

Review excessive packaging

Plastic packaging, as we know it, is one of the largest contributors to landfill and plastic in the oceans. Run an audit of your restaurant’s supply chain and look for ways to lower the amount of unnecessary plastic packaging entering the business.

Instead of fruits and vegetables wrapped in plastic or single-use boxes, request for loose ones packaged in returnable trays or boxes. 

For food deliveries, remove unnecessary wrappers for cutleries and straws. Takeout bags should also be provided upon request only.

Working towards sustainability is not only better for the planet but your efforts will also appeal to the growing demographic of consumers who look for this quality in action from your business before deciding to purchase.