When it comes to takeaway food containers, single-use plastic items can still be used if the food container is pre-filled or filled at the point of sale, and the ban does not apply to single-use plastic cups. The biggest changes from 1st October will be ruling out all EPS / polystyrene food containers or cups, and any type of plastic disposable cutlery. For more info on the ban, visit gov.uk for the full guidance.
The good news is, eco-friendly options on the whole are much more widely available and more appealing to eco-conscious consumers, so making a subtle switch for your foodservice business to help cut down on single-use plastic (despite the new rules), shouldn't be too hard.
In line with these changes, we will be adding some new lines soon – so keep checking our range for new possible alternatives.
Going forward, what are the best options?
Disposable cutlery -
Compostable wooden cutlery is a great option - here's an example of wooden cutlery that you can order now from Thomas Ridley.
Compostable paper board cutlery - these paper-based cutlery options are very popular with our customers.
Recyclable and reusable eco-conscious stainless steel - if you haven't considered this option, why not give it a go!?
Reusable economy stainless steel - or, you could consider switching to metal, reusuable cutlery, if it's convenient for you to do so.
Disposable cups -
Only EPS (polystyrene) cups are banned from 1st October. For everything else, you can still use recyclable plastic or lined, compostable cups; so there's no great change here. Below are some examples of the different disposable cups that we currently sell.
Compostable paper board with a plant-based polylactic liner.
Recyclable paper board with plastic liner.
Clear plant-based compostable plastic cups and recyclable clear plastic cups.
Disposable plates -
Compostable Bagasse plates - already a very popular option with our customers.
Recyclable paper plates - a sturdy and cost-effective option.
Disposable food containers -
If pre-filled or filled at the point of sale, you still have all of the same options available as before the single-use plastic ban.
Compostable and recyclable paper board containers, such as burger trays, and items of compostable paper board with a plant-based plastic liner, such as these takeaway soup containers.
Compostable Bagasse food containers, such as these popular clamshell design takeaway food containers.
Compostable plant-based clear plastic containers, such as these deli containers or these recyclable paper board options, with a plastic liner.
And, all recyclable clear plastic options, such as these recyclable clear plastic bowls and sandwich containers.
To re-cap, here is a table to help you navigate the new rules based on what Thomas Ridley can offer you
Cutlery
- Compostable wood
- Compostable paper board
- Recyclable and reusable eco-conscious stainless steel
- Reusable stainless steel cutlery
Cups
- Compostable paper board with a plant based polylactic liner
- Recyclable paper board with plastic liner
- Recyclable clear plastic cups/pints
Plates
- Compostable bagasse
- Recyclable paper plates
- Compostable palm
Food Containers
- Compostable paper board and plant based polylactic liner
- Compostable bagasse
- Compostable and recyclable paper board base
- Compostable plant based clear plastic
- Recyclable paper board with plastic liner
- Recyclable clear plastic - if items are pre-filled or filled at the point of sale
