US-based foodservice company Aramark is set to implement changes from next month to significantly reduce single-use disposable plastics by 2022.
The company will launch this initiative as part of its commitment to cut down plastic waste across its worldwide operations in 19 countries, including the UK and Ireland.
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As part of its commitment to single-use disposable plastics reduction, the foodservice firm has already removed 410,000 straws from its UK locations and is currently in the process of removing 418,000 straws from client locations in Ireland by December.
It has also eliminated five million plastic lined coffee cups and soup containers and is offering fully compostable products as an alternative.
Aramark Northern Europe region president Frank Gleeson said: “We are absolutely committed to reducing single-use plastic wherever possible. The world is changing at a rapid rate and urgent actions are required to meet the sustainability challenges we are facing.
“We want to promote best practice and by responding and acting quickly to remove plastic straws and containers from all of our restaurants, I believe we can make a difference in the use of unnecessary plastic and make the restaurant and hospitality industry more sustainable and environmentally friendly.”
The company’s single use plastic reduction strategy includes phasing out the use of plastic straws and stirrers by offering eco-friendly alternatives starting next month, expanding offerings of reusable water bottles, coffee mugs, take out containers and bags.
The company also plans to educate customers on the initiative. It intends to partner with suppliers and national brands to cut down packaging through design and innovation.
