How is Plato Catering Equipment Hire Reducing Waste and Embracing Sustainability?
The living part of the Earth, called the biosphere has changed dramatically. It’s becoming increasingly important for businesses to act on their impact on the environment. At Plato Catering Equipment Hire, we’re constantly making the effort to be more sustainable and reduce our impact on the environment. From our reusable plastic transport boxes to our approach to plastic bags, every decision we make is rooted in our dedication to the environment and the future of our planet.
So, what efforts are we making to be greener? Stick around and we’ll tell you!
How does the catering equipment hire industry benefit the environment?
The catering equipment hire industry benefits the environment by promoting the reuse of resources, reducing waste, and reducing the carbon footprint associated with large-scale events. After all, events may be lots of fun, but when they’re not held responsibly, the environmental impact can be huge. By renting equipment such as tableware, glassware, and even cooking appliances, event organisers can avoid the need for single-use items, which often end up in landfills.
This encourages the circular economy, where resources are used efficiently and repeatedly rather than just being binned after one use. Plus, the professional cleaning and maintenance of our equipment ensures that items remain in good condition for much longer, helping to cut down on the environmental impact of manufacturing new products.
Reusable plastic transport boxes
Did you know that up to a third of all plastic packaging, 47 million tonnes, leaks from our collection systems annually? Our reusable plastic transport boxes are made from durable plastics, that are designed to withstand the demands of daily use in the catering industry. Their lightweight yet tough nature means they can be used for years, taking away the need for constant replacements.
What sets our transport boxes apart is their impressive lifespan. Many have been in service for over 15 years, with some exceeding two decades while still being in fantastic condition. This longevity is something we’re proud of and shows our commitment to the principles of the circular economy. Instead of being discarded after use, we actively work to extend their lifecycle.
When a transport box does reach the end of its useful life, we ensure it’s collected and recycled, ensuring closed-loop recycling. This process makes sure that materials are reused efficiently, helping to cut down on waste and preserve natural resources wherever possible.
The production process of our plastic boxes also reflects our sustainability goals. Whilst our boxes aren’t intended to store food, the materials used are food-safe and free from harmful additives such as cadmium. Plus, the manufacturing process itself emits no harmful emissions, further keeping with our goal to reduce our environmental footprint as a business.
Recyclable correx boxes and inserts
Alongside our reusable plastic boxes, we also use correx boxes and inserts made from polypropylene, a material known for its recyclability. These items provide a flexible lightweight solution for our customers while still meeting our sustainability standards. By using fully recyclable materials, we ensure that our products can be repurposed rather than just binned and buried in landfills once their lifecycle ends.
Recyclable plastic bags
Our commitment to sustainability extends to our packaging too! The plastic bags we use contain 30% recycled material and are completely recyclable. This initiative reduces our dependence on new plastic and encourages the use of recycled materials from consumers, supporting a more circular economy.
Looking towards a greener future
Looking forward, we are committed to constantly improving our sustainability practices. We regularly evaluate our processes to spot any areas where we can do better by further reducing waste and improving efficiency. Our goal is not only to meet current environmental standards but to exceed them. These set a benchmark for sustainability in the catering equipment hire industry. By choosing Plato, our customers not only gain access to high-quality catering equipment hire throughout Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, and the West Midlands, but they also contribute to a more sustainable future for all of us.
Need catering equipment for your event? Talk to us today, we’d love to help make your event a success!