Industry bodies to host event to tackle packaging waste

Industry bodies have announced plans to tackle packaging waste at a sector-wide event in May.

Unpack the Future of Hospitality will see hospitality businesses, suppliers, parliamentarians and supporters meet to discuss reducing the amount of waste produced by the industry.

The announcement comes a week after the government announced plans to introduce a drinks bottle deposit return scheme, expected later this year.

UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: "The government's proposal for a deposit scheme highlights the need for a united front from the sector to tackle the problem of packaging waste and avoid additional costs for businesses. This event will be the next step in allowing the hospitality sector to unite to make a considerable contribution to cutting packaging waste."

British Institute of Innkeeping chief executive Mike Clist added: "Hospitality businesses have already begun to address the issue of packaging, but there is more the sector, along with wider industry and policy-makers, can do.

"There is clearly a considerable appetite among the public, consumers and businesses in the UK to address the problem of waste, particularly around plastic, and the time is right for the sector to tackle the issue collectively.

"Businesses are fully aware of the implications of not tackling the issue head-on. We need to bring together representatives from the entire sector to formulate a plan that allows us to cut down on packaging waste without incurring costs that will harm businesses in other areas."

Kate Nicholls continued: "We must be proactive on this issue, and changes in consumer and business practices need to come as a result of positive and decisive action led by industry. We cannot wait until the government acts by legislating in a way that potentially increases costs significantly for venues."

In February The Caterer reported on Luke Holder's #chefsagainstplastic campaign to reduce waste. The joint head chef of Hartnett Holder & Co at Lime Wood hotel in Lyndhurst, Hampshire, has taken steps to reduce plastic waste across the hotel, particularly targeting packaging.

Many operators have also announced crackdowns on single use plastic, with the straw being a particular target.

Unpack the Future of Hospitality will be held on 10 May, hosted by Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking at their offices in central London.

Luke Holder and #chefsagainstplastic: good riddance to bad rubbish>>

Drinks bottle deposit return scheme planned for later this year>>

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