Are you worried about the cost of sustainable catering? Or if it’s worth investing in eco-friendly alternatives?
Sustainability has become increasingly prominent in the catering and hospitality industries, especially in light of the single-use plastics ban.
In this article, we outline the prices of sustainable catering supplies, such as cups, cutlery, bowls, and more. We also discuss how to adopt these sustainable alternatives while balancing economic feasibility.
Eco friendly packaging supplies and cafeteria supplies
At Primepac, we supply a range of sustainable packaging and catering supplies. Below, we highlight the sustainable benefits of a few of our favourite products, as well as their prices.
Disposable stirrers
Starting from $8.99, our disposable stirrers are perfect for worksites, office kitchens, and general catering environments. They’re cost-effective and biodegradable, made entirely of natural wood.
See our disposable wooden stirrers >>
Biocane plates and bowls
Starting from $14.88, our Biocane plates and bowls are made from sugarcane pulp, which is a by-product of the sugar refining industry. Sugarcane grows rapidly, making this a highly renewable resource.
The BioCane range is microwave and refrigerator-safe and available in a range of shapes and sizes, including side plates, dinner plates, and dessert bowls. They’re also certified home compostable to Australian AS5810 and European NF T51-800 standards and commercially compostable to Australian AS4736 and European EN13432 standards.
Biocups
Starting from $6.13, our Paper BioCups are sustainably sourced from managed plantations. The bioplastic lining is also made from plants, rather than oil. These are the only certified commercially compostable cups in Australia and New Zealand, complying fully with AS4736.
N10 Tork Xpressnap Café
Starting from $89.56, the Tork Xpressnap Café® Napkin Dispenser is ideal for limited-service restaurants wanting a smaller napkin. Compared to traditional dispensers, this design reduces consumption by up to 25%, delivering one at a time.
Discover our napkin dispensers >>
Compostable bin liners
Starting from $8.66, made from natural corn starch, and printed with water-based eco-friendly inks, our Ecopack bin liners are 100% compostable. They’re fully certified to meet international standards for both home and commercial composting.
Taking approximately 90 days to break down, these liners are reliable and robust for as long as they’re in use but won’t stick around in the environment for thousands of years like an oil-based plastic bag.
Discover our compostable liners >>
The advantages of sustainable cafeteria supplies
Reduce waste
Switching to a more eco-friendly product can make a significant difference to your company’s waste. While plastic consumables pile up in your bins, sustainable alternatives can be composted or recycled. This not only improves the environmental impact of your business but also reduces your rubbish management costs.
Improve your carbon footprint
With fewer plastic products used in your operations, you can significantly improve your company’s environmental impact. This reduces the amount of rubbish going to landfills and greenhouse gas emissions but may also make you eligible for sustainable tax incentives and other economic benefits.
Legal compliance
By switching to sustainable catering consumables, you ensure your business is aligned with legal regulations. Since 2022, most single-use plastics have been phased out, including polystyrene takeaway packaging, plastic drink stirrers, plastic straws, and more. In 2025, all remaining catering packaging made with PVC or polystyrene will also be banned.
To get ahead of the ban and ensure your company is compliant, trial some sustainable alternatives.
How to adopt sustainable catering supplies
Before investing in an entirely new range of catering supplies, we recommend following these key steps.
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Start small and scale up. First, pick one or two plastic consumables to replace and trial a few sustainable alternatives.
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Collaborate with your packaging supplier. For example, the Primepac team can provide advice and product recommendations tailored to your business.
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Educate your team. When implementing sustainable products into your business, your staff must know how to use and dispose of them correctly. This will ensure your investment is worthwhile.
Conclusion
In conclusion, eco-friendly catering supplies may require a slightly higher investment at first but it is ultimately worth it. These products are not only better for the environment, but also ensure you can keep up with regulations and market demand.
To learn more and explore our range of sustainable supplies, download our Sustainable Business Guide.
Circular business models focus on sustainability throughout the entire business process. Unlike linear models that follow the "take, make, dispose" approach, circular models emphasise the long-term utilisation of materials to minimise waste. Here are some key elements:
NZ office supplies and Catering supplies
Are you ready to shift to a more sustainable packaging process? Our team is here to make your transition as easy and stress-free as possible. That’s why we stock a range of sustainable business supplies, including:
- Boxes and cartons
- Courier bags
- Protective packaging
- Packaging tape
- Disposable gloves
- And more!
We believe that efficiency and sustainability can coexist in business, especially with the right supplies. In our Sustainable Business Guide, we offer practical solutions to help you improve your business sustainability without disrupting your operations. Click below to get a free copy.
