You’ve been hearing about them for years now, in an attempt for local jurisdictions to give businesses time to adjust, and foam packaging is finally about to disappear from DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia come this summer. The main goal of these foam and single-use-plastic bans are to reduce waste and protect the environment. Foam (EPS/Polystyrene) materials take significantly longer than alternatives to break down in landfills and often end up polluting our water sources. Understanding the specifics of the legislation in your area is crucial for compliance and operational continuity as penalties for non-compliance can be severe— including fines and potential business closures. The implications of these bans are multi-faceted, affecting various aspects of foodservice operations. As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, DMV business owners must stay informed and prepared to adjust their practices accordingly. This is a part of a broader push towards sustainability, with states like Virginia leading the way.
Switching to alternative packaging is a must to avoid costly fines. Consider options like paper, compostable fiber, or reusable containers. It’s not just about ‘following the rules’, but about doing your part for the planet. Silver lining? Some of the alternative materials can keep food just as fresh as foam or better! Schenck Foods is local, knows our communities, and takes pride in spending time with our clients to understand their needs. Sustainable efforts are a trend that likely will continue, as younger generations gain more purchasing power. However, a large majority of consumers between the ages of 60-78 say they would sacrifice functionality to be more environmentally friendly, and that’s more than any other generation!
A well-prepared team makes the transition seamless and boosts customer trust.
Beyond choosing a new line of products, making the transition smoothly means preparing your teams and keeping your customers informed, rather than scrambling or surprised. Staff can play a crucial role in any major business shift. Train them on the benefits of the new packaging and how to handle it properly. The more confident they are, the better they can support customers and keep their experience positive. Conduct regular training sessions to keep everyone updated.
A recent poll found that 47% of consumers are interested in restaurants using eco-friendly pizza boxes, but only 15% of operators are interested in that same product. Given this statistic, this likely means that there is a need for operators to stand out, fill the gap, and highlight to consumers their eco-friendly efforts when it comes to packaging. Operators can seize the opportunity to boost brand image and give customers what they want.
Don’t frame this as a forced change to your business but rather, something your business is embracing with open arms because it is your desire to deliver the best possible experience to your customers.
Navigating foam bans can feel daunting but. Schenck Foods can support you in the following steps:
- Conduct a comprehensive audit of your current packaging lineup; This involves identifying all items made from EPS foam and assessing their usage patterns, such as the volume used and purpose for which they are utilized. An audit will serve as the foundation for developing a well-informed transition plan that addresses both immediate compliance needs and long-term sustainability goals.
- Stay informed and prepared to adjust pricing; These increased costs can affect profit margins and necessitate careful menu planning and pricing strategies. In some cases, the cost increase can be offset by the positive marketing of using eco-friendly packaging, which can attract new customers and justify a slight price increase on menus. Use signage, social media, and your website to communicate these changes, emphasizing the positive environmental impact and any benefits to the customer experience.
- Streamline sourcing compliant alternatives that do not compromise the quality of your food; A knowledgeable Schenck Foods sales rep can guide you through all the options!
Give our team a call at 540-869-1870 to start your journey to #SingleUseAndFoamFree and check out our online catalogue to browse our current packaging lineup!
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