box icon
Track your package

Sustainability In The Catering Industry

SustainabilitySustainability is incredibly important in the catering industry. The catering business must find new ways to decrease waste while implementing improved practises for the protection of the environment. When a consumer shops every week for their typical shopping, the key concern is generally finding their favourite products at the best possible prices. When a commercial kitchen requires ingredients, inventory must be checked first to ensure the correct food order is placed.

Unfortunately, most commercial kitchens do not place better sustainability and decreasing waste at the tops of their lists. Most kitchens base their choices according to the expense involved, the current menu and the specific tastes of the customers. Members of the catering industry could make much better choices regarding food sustainability through education leading to more knowledgeable decisions. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for the catering industry.

Reasons Sustainability is Incredibly Important for the Food Business

Sustainability enables caterers to develop and use techniques to help protect the environment. Waste products can be decreased through both the manufacturing process and actual usage. When resources are utilised correctly, they will not run out. People today understand the impact their lives have on the environment. The natural resources of the planet are decreasing. This issue must be addressed. Social trends show people are becoming more aware of the impact the products they use have on the environment.

There is proof more than 75 percent of all consumers will choose a sustainable business as opposed to a business incorporating unsustainable processes. Not only is a sustainable business socially and morally aware and responsible, but they also earn a profit. Businesses can help protect the environment while both growth and profit increase.

Sustainability Encompasses More than Just Food

True sustainability is about a lot more than food. A wide range of other factors must also be considered. The business must determine where the food is coming from, the way it is packaged, the preparation process and the way food is being consumed. The considerations for food sustainability include numerous different combinations and factors. The way the food is used, agricultural factors and the way the food affects the environment are all important considerations.

The catering industry much also consider the impact on both health and economics.

The additional considerations include:

  • The impact on the environment needs to be as low as possible
  • Protecting public health
  • Farming practices must be sustainable
  • Animal welfare

Farmers need to make a profit for producing food. If the farmer is not able to earn a profit, their business will fail. The importance of farmers must be taken into consideration. Over-farming has a negative effect on the environment. Profit is also offering benefits for both consumers and the environment. When agriculture is sustainable, artificial pesticides and fertilisers are eliminated.

Genetically modified organisms are not sustainable. Farmers can become sustainable simply by eliminating mono-crops and rotating crops. All of this will help preserve the natural resources still available.

The Impact on the Environment

Sustainability directly impacts the environment. The goal is to prevent further damage to the natural resources of the earth. One of the most important goals of the modern world is minimising climate change. This issue requires contributions from every country. The waterways, flora and fauna must also be considered to minimise the impact on the earth while food is produced. Food production can be cost-effective and sustainable.

Protecting the Health of the Public

Sustainable food offers nutrition without pesticides or chemicals. The food will also be much healthier for consumers.

The Importance of Animal Welfare

Sustainable farmers understand the importance of treating their animals as humanely as possible. Animals require the protection offered by pens. Pastures are necessary for grazing. A sustainable farmer places great importance on the welfare of their animals. The farmers eliminate suffering and pain from their animals. The final result is higher quality food with a better taste.

Link Between Employment and Sustainability

Employees with a sustainable employer are provided with a fair and hygienic working environment. The workers are able to support themselves because they are not earning the minimum wage. This enables the workers to build good relationships within their community and lend their support to the other local businesses. The customers of the staff and business will remain loyal.

Implementing Sustainability within Hospitality and Catering Sectors

The first step is implementing a plan to decrease food waste while helping with the preservation of products. One of the best ways to positively impact the environment is by decreasing food waste. The most obvious technique for decreasing food waste is making certain all ingredients are used completely including animal, vegetable and fruit products. New methods have become incredibly popular for using parts of food previously thrown in the rubbish.

A good example is stock through the use of animal bones. More and more businesses in the catering industry are taking pride in becoming aware of the environment. The businesses take the steps necessary to decrease waste at every opportunity. These businesses retain their high standards at the same time. A lot of commercial kitchens are already using methods for decreasing waste.

Catering equipment must be energy-efficient to achieve sustainability. The advancements in both technology and the manufacturing process have made efficiency a reality. The advancement of technology will continue. A lot of manufacturers have made important changes to their manufacturing processes including the use of recyclable products.

Making Sustainable Food Choices

Changing a menu is often a difficult task. All that is required to understand the importance of making sustainable changes within the menu is proper education. The changes do not have to be drastic. An entirely new menu does not need to be prepared. Businesses simply need to make small adjustments whenever they can. Kitchen procedures and suppliers can be revisited or sustainable specials boards created. Businesses should take every opportunity to support local farmers.

Some of the other important changes include decreasing food waste, using sustainable sources to procure dairy products, fish and meats and cutting down on the use of plastic as much as possible. Kitchens can even grow their own herbs, vegetables and fruits. It is not possible for the world to become sustainable overnight. The process will require several generations not only in the catering industry but in every sector including consumers.

Once businesses and consumers are educated regarding the beneficial impact of sustainability on the environment, progress will begin. Sustainability will become important today, tomorrow and well into the future.

Tips for Achieving Sustainability

In addition to being a moral decision, sustainability has become incredibly important for businesses as well. Sustainability empowers businesses enabling the production of a better product. Some of the best sustainability tips are defined below.

Seasonal Produce: Seasonal produce costs businesses less than ingredients that are out of season. Food will taste fresher, have more flavour and be better for the environment.

Unwanted Stock: Instead of throwing away unwanted stock, businesses can auction it off or make a donation to a worthwhile charity.

Controlling Portion Sizes: Any uneaten food is taken to a landfill. As food decomposes, methane is generated. When compared to CO2, methane is a lot worse for the environment. The easiest solution is serving smaller portions. Excessive portions are not good for anyone.

Composting: Food waste can be effectively composted. The process traps methane and converts it into fuel. Businesses can to local composters to find out which ones are accepting biodegradable packaging along with wasted food. If the organiser is unable to provide a composting bin, the business can purchase one of their own.

Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability: Every business should be aware of all fish under threat and avoid them. Meat should be raised according to the set conditions with fruits and vegetables locally sourced and produced to support the local economy.

Transforming Waste Oil into Fuel: There are numerous biofuel producers businesses can contact. Waste oil can be transformed fuel capable of powering generators, buses and so much more.

Ugly Vegetables and Fruits: Less popular cuts of meat and ugly vegetables and fruits can be purchased through suppliers. Businesses can save a lot of money without sacrificing quality or flavour. Just because an apple is bruised does not mean the taste will not be sweet.

Servicing Appliances on a Regular Basis: The only way to be certain appliances are operating at peak efficiency is to have them serviced on a regular basis. Businesses should replace inefficient equipment as soon as possible.

Just in Time Technique: The Just in Time technique allows businesses to decrease waste by delivering materials and using equipment only when it is needed. Businesses using this technique can decrease costs by as much as 60 percent. Management of burners also saves the business money. The temperature of each burner and managing which ones are being used contributes to sustainability and energy efficient equipment.

Including Leftovers in the Menu: Including leftovers in the menu decreases waste and saves the business money. Vegetable ends can be used for making stock, vegetables can be pickled and extra meat used for stews.

Inspiration for the Staff: Businesses should teach their staff the critical importance of sustainability. Staff should follow the standards regardless of whether or not the boss is on the premises.

Donating Food Waste: Numerous food waste services are available for redistribution. This is a much better option than allowing food waste to be sent to a landfill.

Practising Sustainability

The best way for a business to practice sustainability is one small step at a time. A sustainable business is consistently reviewing their methods to try to implement more effective and efficient processes. No two businesses are exactly the same. What works well for one business may not work at all for another. Each business must determine the most practical and effective changes.

Informing customers the business is sustainable is important. The result may be attracting more customers. Sustainability is not only important but extremely popular.

Related Articles