It's International plastic bag free day 2019!

To crack down on single use plastic we have created a list of eco friendly packaging alternatives used in businesses such as mobile caterers, street food stalls, cafes, pubs and more! PackGenie aims to help our customers make the move towards a plastic free future a simple one.

Firstly we want to talk about plastic!

What is the problem with single use plastic?

Plastic is extremely useful and is part of everyday life. It's what happens to it when we throw it away that is causing massive problems for our planet.

IT TAKES BETWEEN 100-500 YEARS FOR A PLASTIC BAG TO DISINTEGRATE

Why do we use plastic?

Plastic can be found in pretty much everything from clothes to salad boxes. Plastic is very versatile and available in many different types. They can be used to make lots of different shapes, colours and sizes. Plastic is man-made from finite natural materials such as coal and oil.

Can plastic be good?

Plastic pollution has hit public consciousness in a big way. Programs such as the BBC's Blue Planet narrated by David Attenborough and the Sky Ocean Rescue movement showcase the detrimental effects of plastic pollution. Supermarkets use a large amount of plastic in their packaging, particularly for fruit and vegetables, even though many have their own natural protection. The reason supermarkets use so much plastic packaging is to protect food and prevent food waste. Removing plastic entirely may not be the best solution when it comes to protecting the environment and conserving valuable resources.

What are we doing about it?

Around the world, governments, businesses, and global citizens are already working to tackle the obscene amount of unnecessary plastic waste we throw out in our day-to-day lives. 

The UK has set out a 25-year plan which aims to “set the global gold standard” on eliminating single use plastic, according to environment minister Michael Gove. 

The crackdown on plastic waste is moving forward rapidly. Here are some initiatives that are already in place:

• Banning microbeads
• Plastic free aisles in supermarkets
• Carrier bag tax
• Banning cotton buds
• Banning plastic straws

 

What are plastic alternatives?

Now we know plastic does have positive qualities, such as protecting food and reducing waste but is so bad for the planet when it's not disposed of properly. So are there any alternatives that have all the positives of plastic but non of the negatives? Yes, this is why we have put a list together showing like for like plastic packaging alternatives specifically for street food stalls, cafes, schools, mobile caterers and more.

Use a PLA (Bio Plastic) Cardboard Salad box over a Plastic Salad Containers

Compostable Coffee cups are better for the environment than Styrofoam coffee cups, but must be disposed over using the correct waste channels via industrial composting facilities.

Styrofoam food boxes can't be recycled and are bad for the environment - Bagasse food boxes made from sugar cane are sustainable and great for the environment!

Paper straws are the eco friendly choice.

Eco friendly Wood cutlery made from sustainable poplar wood or bamboo are strong and robust, whilst looking premium.

 

Choose sustainable wooden canapé products over plastic

If your looking for oxo biodegradable cups instead of recyclable pp then these Naturelle plastic cups lets your customer know you care about the planet.

Go plastic free packaging

PackGenie has an extensive range of plastic alternative packaging products suitable for many catering businesses. We have dedicated sections on our website for eco friendly packaging including many different material option to reduce your environmental impact. We aim to have a clear environmental commitment to only sell products that are recyclable, biodegradable or compostable. Find out more HERE. If you need any help or advise regarding eco friendly packaging for your business then please don't hesitate to get in touch with our friendly and knowledgable sales team on 02034 88 22 00 or if you prefer email us: help@packgenie.co.uk

Photo by Ishan @seefromthesky on Unsplash