Cater For You has consistently championed sustainable and eco-friendly food and drink packaging, incorporating compostable and recyclable products into its offerings for years. A recent interview conducted by Mary Ann Hobbs on BBC Sounds* with Steve Lamacq on 6Music, which focused on sustainability in live music venues, reignited discussions on various options for more environmentally friendly solutions.
Andy Watts, Director at Cater For You, who regularly attends gigs, shared his thoughts: ‘I’ve often pondered the enormous waste and environmental impact of all the disposable plastic glasses strewn across the floor at the end of a gig and whether they are being collected to be recycled or just sent straight to landfill.”
Recently introduced paper pint cups and glasses signify a notable advancement in food and drink sustainable packaging. Steve Lamacq elaborated on various linings, highlighting that the ideal choice is Aqueous. This fully compostable lining guarantees leakproof performance. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to note that Aqueous lining is considerably more costly than alternative options. Given that live music venues often face profitability challenges, this raises an interesting dilemma. Ensuring that paper cups are collected and composted correctly is essential; if they end up in a landfill, they could generate methane.
The discussion also emphasized the advantages of using reusable plastic glasses in place of their disposable counterparts. Polycarbonate plastic glasses, a fixture in the Cater For You product line for over 20 years, offer durability and can endure up to 500 commercial washes without breaking. They can be dropped or stepped on without damage, making them a reliable choice. However, venues should also consider safety, particularly if the glasses are thrown in a crowded environment; here, the flexibility of disposable or soft paper cups presents a significant safety advantage.
For effective implementation of any solution—be it paper cups, disposable plastic glasses, or unbreakable plastic glasses—we strongly recommend collaborating with the venue’s waste collection provider. The efficiency of sorting and collection, as well as associated costs, will ultimately determine a viable, eco-friendly solution that prioritizes concertgoer safety.
Andy Watts remarked, “The market is constantly changing, with innovative and more environmentally friendly solutions being developed. It’s fantastic to raise awareness about these issues and support sustainable, lower-waste solutions efforts. We encourage venues to contact us to learn more about what is currently available and in the pipeline.”
Another effective strategy for live venues involves utilizing printed glasses and imposing a deposit. This tactic can deter littering while encouraging the use of reusable, albeit breakable, glasses that attendees may choose to take home as souvenirs. Although printed glasses incur higher production costs, they lend a premium feel, and when ordered in large quantities, the added expense becomes negligible.
Phil Stears, another Director at Cater For You, stated, “Live music festivals have been ahead of the curve in demanding more compostable solutions. Many of our pop-up food customers have been seeking this kind of solution for years, and we have been pleased to assist them.”
