Probably the most important reason to use reusable takeaway packaging is, of course, sustainability! Because even environmentally friendly disposable packaging creates waste. And not every material is equally sustainable either. While materials such as bagasse or paper can be composted or recycled, bioplastics such as PLA are usually incinerated. The reason: even though PLA is biodegradable in principle, it usually takes too long for the products to decompose. It is therefore not possible to compost organic waste and PLA together. Since there are only a few PLA products on the market so far, separate composting of PLA products in large composting plants is also not economical. Since reusable packaging can be reused many times, it is clearly the most environmentally friendly type of take-away packaging. In addition, food can be beautifully presented in Pure Boxes made of glass or swing-top jars, making it look more appetizing than from paper cups.
Polypropylene offers another alternative. These containers are more environmentally friendly than conventional disposable products. In addition, they can be reused hundreds of times before recycling. The material is suitable for the dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator.
Not every material is suitable for to-go reusable packaging! Because there are a few things that should be considered. The packaging should be robust and easy to clean. Tempered glass is perfect here: The tempered glass is very break-resistant, can withstand both high and low temperatures and is very hygienic.
Many guests fear that reusable packaging is more unhygienic than disposable packaging. After all, other guests take the packaging home with them! However, this concern is unfounded: Tempered glass is very hygienic. Also, as a restaurateur, you should clean all the boxes again - even if they come back clean. Glass boxes can easily be cleaned in the dishwasher. So take-away reusable packaging is no less hygienic than china, cutlery and glasses when eating on site.
Of course, reusable packaging is only worthwhile if it is also returned! That's why it's worth setting up a deposit system for to-go packaging. In principle, it's quite simple: Your guests deposit a certain amount per package - for example, 5 or 10 euros. If they return the packaging undamaged on their next visit, they get the deposit back.