Regular reader of this blog know that we
have been highlighting food companies that are focused on elevating next year, 2021
in food, as the year the industry focuses on From Me to We”
movement in food aka sustainability. That is expanding the ‘halo’ of
‘better for you’ food and food packaging offerings within every sector of
retail food.
Around the world consumers are expressing
greater sense of urgency around climate change, droughts, wildfires, and
increase in intense tropical storms. According to The NPD Group, consumers reported in July that
63% of their eating occasions during the COVID-19 outbreak have been atypical,
meaning they’re eating and sourcing foods and beverages outside of their normal
routines. That disruption has elevated consumers focus or ‘better for you’
sustainable food and beverage options according to Steven
Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.
Burger
King is fully focused on the 2021, ‘from Me
too We movement’, by testing a new reusable packaging model that will help
cut down on packaging waste. The brand, as part of its Restaurant Brands for
Good framework, has launched a partnership with TerraCycle’s circular packaging
service, Loop, to pilot a closed-loop system with zero-waste packaging that can
be safely cleaned and refilled to be reused, again and again.
In short, the trial will offer restaurant
guests the option to conveniently reduce waste when ordering their
favorite Burger King brand staples
like the Whopper sandwich, soft drink or coffee in reusable sandwich
containers or beverage cups. It’s a start,
but what to you think of this concept?
That’s right, starting in 2021,
select Burger King restaurants in New York City, Portland, and Tokyo
will be among the first to implement the model, with more cities expected to be
added in the coming months. Participating restaurants will feature a collection
system, in which guests can return the packaging to be safely cleaned through
Loop and reused at Burger King restaurants. Those who opt for the
reusable packaging are charged a deposit at the time of purchase, and when the
packaging is returned, they receive a refund.
Battle for Share of Stomach
So, Loop’s cleaning systems have been
created to sanitize food containers and cups, meaning each will be hygienically
cleaned and safe before each use. Still up in the air? Well can we as consumers evolve?
Matthew Banton, Head of Innovation and
Sustainability, Burger King Global stated, “As part of our Restaurant Brands for
Good plan, we’re investing in the development of sustainable packaging
solutions that will help push the food service industry forward in reducing
packaging waste,” … “The Loop system gives us the confidence in a reusable
solution that meets our high safety standards, while also offering convenience
for our guests on the go.”
Tom Szaky, TerraCycle and Loop CEO stated
“This enables Burger King consumers to easily bring reusability into their
daily lives, and whether they choose to eat-in or takeaway, they will be able
to get some of their favorite food and drinks in a reusable container.”
Ok, this is a pilot test that will help advance Burger
King restaurants sustainability strategy, building on existing commitments
to reduce its environmental footprint and protect the planet for the long-term.
To support the sustainable production of packaging materials, 100
percent of guest packaging will be sourced from renewable, recycled or certified
sources by 2025. While working towards reducing the use of virgin materials and
single-use packaging, the brand is also tackling the challenge of improved
waste diversion, with a commitment to recycle guest packaging in 100
percent of restaurants in Canada and the US by 2025.
Looking for
success clues of your own? Foodservice Solutions® specializes in
outsourced food marketing and business development ideations. We can help you
identify, quantify and qualify additional food retail segment opportunities,
technology, or a new menu product segment. Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma WA is the global leader in the Grocerant niche
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