We are all feeling the effects of Global Warming & Pollution on our environment. It has reached a point where the people need to make environmentally-conscious decisions to protect the earth from further damage. As per a report, every year India generates about 25000 tonnes of plastic waste which is equivalent to the weight of 4300 elephants. Out of this only 60% of the plastic waste is recycled, and the rest 40% is deposited in land-fills or burnt, causing pollution in the environment. As a result of this growing concern about the environment, people are moving towards more eco-friendly lifestyle choices. Consequently, there has been an increase in demand for recyclable, reusable and bio-degradable packaging.

Three major reasons for a boost in eco-friendly packaging are:

1. Consumers have become more environmentally conscious.
2. The Government of India has banned Single-Use Plastic which has led to people looking for alternatives.
3. Many new companies have sprung up, providing unique and reasonable options for packaging that is also environment-friendly and bio-degradable. This has made the paradigm shift for the restaurants easier than ever.

One should avoid single-use plastic packaging like straws, cups, takeout containers, bottles etc as plastics are very dangerous for the environment and contain many additives. As a result, many eco-friendly options for packaging have come up like:

1. Glass – Glass packaging is reusable, recyclable and durable. It makes food transport easy. It is also easy to clean glass bottles, glass jars, bento boxes etc. It also has many multiple uses and makes the packaging reusable for the customers. This helps create brand recognition and retention as the customers are reminded of the brand whenever they use the glass bottle or jar. However glass packaging is not leak-free but various lids like snap-locking plastic lids, silicone seal and bamboo lids can be used to prevent spillage.
2. Bamboo – It is bio-degradable, durable, heat-resistant and cheap. However it wears and tears more easily and hence is not that sturdy.
3. Rice-Husk – Another bio-degradable and renewable option.
4. Gelatin Films – It involves low cost. It is non-toxic and safe for food transportation.

There are some ways in which a restaurant that is currently using plastic packaging can effectively shift from it to eco-friendly packaging:

1. Use bamboo straws, reusable metal straws or paper straws instead of plastic ones. Incase you are using metal ones then keep brushes to clean them properly for hygiene.
2. Use glass bottles for shakes and smoothies.
3. Use glass jars for dips or condiments.
4. Use bio-degradable quality takeout bowls or containers for salads, pastas and other such items.
5. Use paper bags instead of plastic bags for takeaway and delivery orders.

The restaurant industry is ever evolving. It is a B2C business that has both product and service components. Hence consumers and their wishes always dictate the choices that owners have to make, or else their business might wither away with time. Eco-friendliness is the new normal and the industry is seeing the paradigm shift, where quick decisions need to be made by all the players to either evolve or die.