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Plastic waste

This translation was created from the original text using AI (DeepL).

Relevance to the Restaurant Industry

In the food service industry, plastic products and packaging help protect food, ensure its safety, and extend its shelf life. At the same time, the production, use, and disposal of plastics consume significant resources and place a burden on the environment. Furthermore, legal requirements regarding packaging and waste are becoming increasingly stringent.

Therefore, please assess where packaging can be avoided, reduced, or replaced with more suitable alternatives. You can find further information and practical guidance, for example, under Measures to conserve resources at METRO Germany.

Efficient waste prevention and waste separation not only reduce the environmental impact but can also lower disposal costs. This applies to plastic waste as well as other types of waste. At the same time, you strengthen compliance with legal requirements and promote a sustainable image for your business.

Advantages

  • Less waste and lower disposal costs
  • Conservation of resources and packaging materials
  • Support for compliance with legal requirements
  • Improved image and reputation
  • Reduced environmental impact
  • More efficient waste separation and disposal processes
  • Contributing to a clean local environment
  • Increasing appeal to environmentally conscious guests

Did you know that...

Plastic waste

... the overall recycling rate for plastics is only 9.5%?

Bin bags

... plastic takes at least 100 years to decompose?

Water pollution caused by plastic

... there will be more plastic than fish (by weight) in the oceans by 2050 if we don't do something about it?

Happy people around the globe

... 63% of millennials are willing to pay more for sustainable products?

Tips

There are many ways for the restaurant industry to reduce the amount of plastic waste.

Start by assessing your plastic waste

A simple waste assessment will show you what types of plastics your business generates and where you can focus your efforts to reduce plastic and packaging waste. Take a look at the following examples, which can serve as a guide.

Lieferverpackungen Lebensmittelverpackungen Wasserflaschen Verpackungen zum Mitnehmen Handschuhe, Masken
Product Shipping packaging Food packaging Water bottles Takeout packaging Gloves, masks
Packaging Type PVC / PVDC PET, rPET PET, rPET PET containers Vinyl, latex, polyester
Material Petroleum-based plastic with additives Plastic made from petroleum Plastic made from petroleum Plastic made from petroleum Plastic made from petroleum with additives, extracted
Disposal Regular trash Depends on the contents. Some can be disposed of in regular trash, others cannot. Recycling bins Recyclables or regular trash (if food residue is present) Regular trash
Your plastic waste kg / month kg / month kg / month kg / month kg / month
Think about it It takes up space in your trash can, which you may be paying for. Ask your supplier to take the waste back upon delivery. Ask your supplier about alternatives, such as less packaging or simpler packaging that’s easy to clean and separate. Ask your supplier about a returnable deposit system for plastic crates. This will help you reduce the amount of plastic packaging and bottles that end up in the trash. Customers don’t want extra plastic filling up their trash cans. In Europe, single-use plastic items have been banned by law since 2021. Ask your suppliers about alternatives. Talk to your suppliers about what alternatives are available. This is a particularly challenging issue due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and there aren’t many solutions available yet.
Alternatives Ask your supplier to deliver using reusable shipping containers. No petroleum-based plastics. Tap water, if it’s safe. Filtered/treated tap water, if it’s not safe. Glass bottles—including those with a deposit system. Compostable bags. Bamboo containers. Deposit systems for containers. Cotton masks, plastic face shields instead of masks.

Avoid single-use packaging

Reduce the use of single-use packaging wherever hygienic and logistical conditions permit. Choose products with as little packaging as possible or with more sustainable packaging materials.

Accept guests' own containers

Encourage your guests to use their own containers for takeout food and drinks. Make sure to follow applicable hygiene regulations and fill the containers in a way that prevents cross-contamination.

Hand out cutlery only when needed

Actively ask your guests if they actually need cutlery, straws, stirrers, or other disposable items. This helps prevent unnecessary waste.

Offer tap water

Provided that local water quality permits it, offering tap water can reduce the use of single-use bottles and conserve resources.

Use reusable and deposit-refund systems

Whenever possible, opt for reusable packaging, deposit-return systems, and reusable containers and bottles. This can significantly reduce the amount of waste.

Properly Recycling Plastic Waste

Sort plastic waste carefully and use existing collection and disposal systems so that the materials can be recycled to the highest possible standard .

Check Refill Offers

Participating in refill initiatives can help reduce the use of single-use bottles while also drawing new guests' attention to your business.

Choose products with more sustainable packaging

When making purchases, be sure to consider the packaging as well. Products with minimal packaging or made from recyclable materials can reduce waste and disposal costs.

Reduce Plastic Wrap

Determine where plastic wrap can be replaced with reusable containers, lids, or other suitable alternatives without compromising hygiene or safety requirements.

Involve Employees

Reducing plastic use is only possible with the support of the entire team. Inform your employees about your company’s goals and measures and actively involve them in identifying opportunities for improvement. Regular training sessions and clearly visible reminders in the workplace help to establish new habits on a long-term basis.

In-Depth Study

Good to Know

The legal requirements for single-use plastics have become significantly stricter in recent years. Keep up to date with the latest regulations and check which alternatives are suitable for your business.

Restaurants and food service establishments encounter single-use plastics in many areas, such as transport and delivery packaging, packaged food and beverages, takeout containers, plastic wrap, and certain hygiene products.

63% of METRO's HoReCa customers pay attention to sustainable packaging solutions.*

* 2025 METRO Germany Customer Survey on Sustainability

At the same time, companies, startups, and research institutions are constantly working on new packaging solutions and alternatives to conventional plastics. It is therefore worth keeping up with the latest developments and regularly discussing more sustainable packaging options with your suppliers.

The Most Problematic Plastics

Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC)

Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) is produced from chlorine, which can have negative effects on the environment and human health. Disposing of PVDC by incineration is problematic because it produces a similar amount of dioxins as PVC

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used in various types of packaging and plastic products. Depending on the application, additives may be mixed into the material to achieve specific properties, such as flexibility. The production, recycling, and disposal of PVC have been at the center of environmental and resource concerns for years. Compared to many other plastics, recycling PVC is technically more challenging. Therefore, using alternative packaging materials in certain applications can help facilitate recycling processes and improve material cycles.


When procuring products, pay attention to the packaging materials used. The plastic code “3” indicates PVC. Check whether PVC-free or more easily recyclable alternatives are available for your needs, and give preference to these provided they meet the necessary quality, safety, and hygiene requirements.

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)/Styrofoam

Expanded polystyrene (EPS), better known as Styrofoam, is frequently used for shipping and food packaging. Although EPS is technically recyclable, in practice it is often recycled only to a limited extent. The material consists mainly of air and has a large volume relative to its low weight. As a result, collection, storage, and transportation can be comparatively labor-intensive and costly. Furthermore, EPS can be easily damaged and break down into small particles that are difficult to collect. Contamination from food residues or other substances can make recycling even more challenging.


Therefore, consider whether reusable or more easily recyclable packaging alternatives are suitable for specific applications without compromising hygiene, product protection, and food safety requirements.

Advanced tips

You can take it even further by following these tips for advanced users on how to reduce plastic waste:

Recycle

01

Set up a waste disposal and collection service

Ask your local municipal utility to establish a waste disposal and collection service for plastics in areas where none currently exists.

Lockable Trash Cans

02

Buy in Bulk

METRO offers foodservice businesses a wide range of bulk packages and containers tailored to your needs. Thisallows you to shop efficiently while reducing packaging waste. You can find more information about our product range here.

Washable Trash Cans

03

Ask your wholesaler and suppliers what they’re doing

Ask them what they’re doing to improve their packaging and whether they have a collection system or recycling station in place. Talk to other restaurant owners about what they’re doing and ask them to join forces to bring about change.

Easy Access to the Trash Can

04

Special Recycling or Take-Back Programs

For certain types of waste, special recycling or take-back programs can be a useful supplement to regular waste disposal. Check with your suppliers, waste management service providers, or industry associations to find out about suitable options for materials and packaging that are difficult to recycle.

Cardboard boxes and outer packaging

05

Reusable, Refillable, or Deposit-Based Packaging

Talk to your suppliers about options for purchasing products in reusable, refillable, or deposit-based packaging. Many suppliers now offer reusable and return systems that can help reduce packaging waste and conserve resources.

Progress

06

Track Your Progress

Track the changes you’re making and analyze the amount of plastic waste you’re avoiding as a result. A simple spreadsheet is often enough to get started! Talk to your staff about how much you’ve already saved and how they’re contributing to these savings.

Your Checklist
  • Analyze Your Plastic Consumption
  • Take steps to reduce your plastic and packaging waste by following the tips in the “Tips” section—or even the advanced tips
  • Inform your staff and involve them in all measures
  • Talk to your suppliers and wholesalers to get more information
  • Inform your guests about your progress
Preventing Food Waste
Food Safety