There is a great deal of talk about “going green” as a business. You hear daily the importance of being energy efficient, of providing environmentally friendly products and of ways to recycle in order to reduce your carbon foot print. We of course know that this is the right thing to do but as a business it’s difficult not to wonder what’s in it for you. It does after all cost to become an eco-friendly establishment and the costs differ significantly based on the area you are working.
There is a considerable amount of pressure in the food industry to invest in eco-friendly materials for their food packaging. A variety of options are available including bio-degradable cups, food containers, cutlery, and food bags. They are however more costly to purchase than their planet destroying counterparts due to increased manufacturing costs and materials. So why should you bother buying them at all? Will your customers care if their disposable coffee cups and takeaway containers can be recycled? Will they even notice?
Research has shown that a majority of the new generation do care about the environment and how their actions contribute to it. There are a number of businesses that would much rather purchase catering disposables from food packaging companies providing eco-friendly options. The number of individuals choosing to do this is rising dramatically thanks to the emphasis on its importance being discussed nationally every day. In parts of the world up to 71% of consumers would rather purchase eco-friendly alternatives including Vietnam and India. Numbers in the UK are also rising. In April 2012 studies showed 8% of consumers in the UK would rather purchase eco-friendly products. After just seventeen months that number had risen to 37%, and it continues to rise.
How can you go green?
Being energy efficient is one of the most common and appealing options. This option allows you to save money rather than spend it which in most people’s book is a bonus. There are normally initial investments, such as the cost of insulation, replacing windows and doors, investing in a more energy efficient heating system or installing eco-friendly lighting alternatives. The cost of installing these however are usually paid off with the amount of monthly cost savings. This means that in the long run you are saving money for your business whilst ensuring that you are doing your but for the plan et.
The most obvious way to go green when working in the food industry is to purchase environmentally friendly packaging. Most food packaging companies provide environmentally friendly options for fast food packaging, hot food containers, drink packaging, sandwich packaging and much more. These are much better for the environment as they can be disposed of appropriately to be reused or broken down. Bespoke packaging options are also typically available so that you can include your brand name and logo on the packaging.
Energy design. illuistration © djvstock
Eco-friendly packaging is almost always marked to show consumers how to dispose of their used packaging. It also shows consumers that your business is taking the right steps to looking after the planet. This is free and positive marketing for your business.
What’s in it for you?
Do the government support your businesses decision to go green? Sadly the UK government do not yet offer incentives to encourage eco-friendly business practices. You do however get some great marketing benefits from going green. 37% of UK consumers are more likely to buy produce from businesses that offer eco-friendly packaging over those that don’t. This creates the opportunity for financial gain and a possibility to focus on your marketing strategies.
