The environmental implications of waste are familiar ones and, as a food business provider, you’ll be all too aware that efficient waste management already demands keeping a very close eye on costs, compliance and reputation. Well, now the issue is being ramped up and your eyes are about to be drawn all the closer. As, according to an article in Footprint Media, Minister for Nature, Mary Creagh, has hinted that mandatory food waste reporting for large businesses could be introduced as part of England's forthcoming circular economy strategy.    

The voluntary approach isn't working. Currently just one in four (25%) of businesses have set food waste reduction targets and less than a third (30%) of large businesses measure their waste. So it will come as little surprise to learn that while the UK had previously committed to halving food waste by 2030, now that deadline is just another Winter Olympics away, current projections suggest we're on track for more like 30% - less than two thirds of what was promised.  

What happens to compostable packaging? 

Targets for measuring and reporting food waste are all very well but only half the story as, even if you know how much waste you're producing, you still need a cost-effective, responsible and practical way to dispose of it.  

For food businesses committed to sustainability, this challenge extends way beyond the food itself into every aspect of your operation, not least packaging: the box that carries your salads, sandwiches, and hot takeaways needs a proper end-of-life solution too. As, without access to the right disposal routes and infrastructure, even the most sustainable packaging choices will become landfill.  

Compostables that can actually be composted 

So, you’ve switched to compostable packaging but can’t find a collection service in your area. What now? We hear you, this conundrum has frustrated food providers (not to mention the Planglow team) for years. However, we finally have a solution that sends that frustration packing. Pun absolutely intended. We’ve partnered with Zap Waste Systems to help close the gap between choosing compostable packaging and actually being able to compost it.  

The reality is that industrial composting facilities are not available in all areas, and many won't accept mixed food and packaging waste due to contamination concerns. 

Zap, however, makes composting easier for everyone with a straightforward three-step process: 

Connect: Zap identifies local waste providers who can handle compostable packaging alongside food waste, matching your business with commercial composting facilities in your area. 

Collect: Your compostable packaging is collected alongside your food waste , eliminating the need for complex separation systems. 

Compost: Everything is processed at certified facilities, turning waste into nutrient-rich compost that is returned to the soil. The benefits of the circular economy in action. 

From reporting to action 

In 2024, more than 30 businesses - including industry behemoths Tesco, Nestle, Compass Group, and BidFood – sent an open letter to Defra calling for greater transparency over food waste. Their goal was simple: long-term behavioral change and efficiencies.  

As Too Good To Go's Adam Isaacs points out, accurate data on food waste, "- Highlights waste hotspots, turning a costly problem into a strategic opportunity." The same principle applies to packaging waste because, when businesses can see exactly how much they're producing and have  access to a clear, effective disposal route, waste reduction becomes both environmentally responsible and economically smart. (Footprint Media) 

While mandatory reporting will push more businesses to take food waste seriously, measurement needs to be met with action, combining robust data with practical solutions for both food and packaging disposal alike. 

Our partnership with Zap supports your use of compostables and helps deliver them into the closed-loop system they were designed for. This said, compostable might not be a route you can peruse, for all manner of reasons. We get it, which is why we offer products that work in the real world, whatever this might look like to the individual business, consumer or location. So whatever waste stream works for you - recycling, composting or an on-site bio processor - we have products designed to support the choices you are already making for your business and the planet. 

 
Visit our packaging disposal page or contact us to see how we can help you reduce waste.