Plastics-Free Restaurants in the UK:
What is a Plastics-Free Restaurant?
Why do Consumers prefer Plastic-Free Restaurants?
Consumers are drawn to plastics-free restaurants because of their positive impact on the environment. Reducing single-use plastics decreases pollution in oceans and landfills, aligning with public awareness of sustainability. Diners want to support establishments that help protect the planet for future generations.
Choosing a plastics-free restaurant often means a higher quality experience. Many such establishments use natural and high-quality alternatives like glass, metal, or biodegradable materials, which enhance the dining atmosphere and reflect a broader commitment to quality and sustainability.
Consumers also prefer plastics-free restaurants because they want to be part of the solution. Supporting restaurants that reduce plastic waste empowers diners to contribute to environmental goals and make a tangible difference through their choices.
How can a Restaurant be more Plastics-Free?
Becoming a plastics-free restaurant involves taking deliberate steps to reduce plastic use across various aspects of the business. By adopting the following principles, a restaurant can make significant progress towards a more sustainable, plastics-free operation:
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No single-use plastics throughout the establishment, including items like bags, straws, and takeaway boxes.
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Thorough separation and recycling of any unavoidable plastic waste.
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Utilising larger refill-size containers for bulk orders, such as cleaning supplies, to minimise plastic use.
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Replacing cling film and other plastic packaging with recyclable or biodegradable alternatives.
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Partnering with suppliers who use minimal plastic packaging.
Restaurants can reduce plastic use by eliminating single-use plastics, recycling thoroughly, using refillable containers, opting for biodegradable packaging, and working with suppliers that minimise plastic.
Are there any 100% Plastic-Free Restaurants?
None of our Circular Kitchens restaurants are completely plastics-free as of November 2024, as many of them are just beginning their plastics-free journey. However, many of them have taken significant steps to reduce plastic use throughout their operations. These efforts can be explored by viewing the plastics-free pledges made by each establishment.
Our Circular Kitchens Plastic-Free Pledges:
Our Pledges are scored 1-3 Stars, allowing you to manage your sustainability journey at your own pace:
We pledge to eradicate plastic take-away bags and plastic straws (*)
Find Resources here
We pledge to segregate all plastic waste at source for recycling (*)
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We pledge to offer filtered water or glass-bottled water (No plastic water bottles) and glass bottles for all beverages (no plastic bottles) (**)
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We pledge to use bulk refill sizes to fill small packaging for soaps, detergents and other cleaning products (**)
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We pledge to substitute all single-use plastics such as cling film in our kitchens with recyclable or reusable alternatives (**)
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We pledge to substitute all plastic take-away containers, utensils, napkins and cups with compostable and recyclable alternatives (***)
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We pledge to work with (or switch) suppliers to reduce and avoid plastic in Bulk Waste and individual item Packaging for all consumables (***)
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