Shared by Joe Ha, General Sales Manager (HK & Exports) of Sabert Asia Holdings Ltd. 

According to the Environmental Protection Department and the consultation paper on regulation of disposable plastic tableware, Hong Kong people discarded around 200 tonnes of plastic and styrofoam tableware every day, and about 14.6 billion pieces of plastic cutlery (or about 1,940 pieces per person) were disposed of every year. During the pandemic, the increasing demand for food delivery and takeaway service due to dine-in restrictions and public health concerns has resulted in a sharp surge in the use of disposable tableware, and drawn people’s attention to eco-friendly tableware.

Mostly made of styrofoam or plastic, traditional disposable tableware and food packaging are convenient and hygienic, but they have placed heavy burden on landfills and will threaten the marine ecosystem in the long run. In response to consumers’ needs, the catering industry has picked up its pace in collaborating with reliable suppliers of eco-friendly materials and products to develop “unconventional” tableware and food packaging using innovative materials. The new alternatives are expected to offer a convenient and safe dining experience while reducing the impact on the environment.

Committed to promoting environmental protection and reducing the use of plastic in the catering industry, Sabert has been developing eco-friendly packaging products using innovative technologies and ideas to offer diverse options that meet international standards and the actual operating needs. For example, the use of sugarcane bagasse has been extended from producing basic tableware to the manufacturing of waterproof and oil-resistant green packaging. Made from natural materials, sugarcane bagasse is a healthier alternative to Styrofoam. This 100% compostable material can also reduce pollution and alleviate the stress on landfills, striking a perfect balance between safety, hygiene and sustainable development. It is encouraging to see that many F&B brands, such as Maxim’s Mooncakes, Maxim’s Cakes and Starbucks, actively support these innovative, eco-friendly packaging options to deliver a uniquely green dining experience and contribute towards sustainability.  

Businesses and consumers have higher expectations for the catering industry nowadays, and they see environmental protection as an integral part of their dining experience. Therefore, we must work closely with the catering field to answer the needs of corporates and consumers with better green products, and transform the future of disposable tableware and food packaging, together. 

Learn more about the eco-friendly sugarcane bagasse tableware:  http://www.sabert.asia/