Hospitality

Vergleichende Ökobilanz verschiedener Bechersysteme beim Getränkeausschank an Veranstaltungen

Öko-Institut e.V. (2008)

The report evaluates the environmental impacts of various cup systems used at events, such as concerts or festivals. The study compares disposable cups made of different materials (plastic, paper, etc.) with reusable cups in terms of their life cycle impacts, including resource use, energy consumption, waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions. The assessment considers various factors, such as the number of uses, transportation, cleaning processes, and end-of-life disposal or recycling options. The report aims to identify which cup systems are the most environmentally friendly, under which conditions they perform best, and offers recommendations for organisers on selecting the most sustainable options for beverage service at events, concluding that reusable cups generally have lower environmental impacts than single-use options.

Reusable Coffee Cups Life Cycle Assessment and Benchmark

Almeida et al. (2018)

The report assesses the environmental impact of KeepCup’s reusable cups compared to single-use cups (paperboard, compostable) and other reusable options (bamboo, polypropylene). Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the study evaluates factors like carbon emissions, water use, and energy consumption. It finds that KeepCups generally have a lower environmental impact over time, particularly when used frequently. Recommendations include promoting energy-efficient washing practices, using alternative materials, and improving recycling options. The goal is to support sustainable alternatives to disposable cups.

Environmental impacts of takeaway food containers

Gallego-Schmid et al. (2018)

The paper examines the environmental impacts of different types of takeaway food containers – aluminium, polypropylene, and extruded polystyrene – by conducting a life cycle assessment to identify the most sustainable options. The study finds that single-use polypropylene containers have the highest impact on the environment, including global warming potential, while aluminium containers are second worst, particularly concerning ozone depletion and human toxicity. Extruded polystyrene containers have the lowest environmental impact due to lower material and energy requirements but are currently not recycled. The paper suggests that recycling policies in line with the European Union’s 2025 waste packaging goals could significantly reduce these impacts, cutting CO2 emissions equivalent to those of 55,000 vehicles annually. The findings are relevant for packaging manufacturers, food outlets, policymakers, and consumers.

The consumption of hot drinks outside the home // Der Heißgetränkekonsum außer Haus

DUH (2019)

This document by Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) focuses on the environmental impact of out-of-home hot drink consumption, particularly the widespread use of disposable cups. It outlines the large quantities of waste generated by disposable coffee cups in Germany (2.8 billion cups annually) and the resources consumed in their production, such as wood, water, and energy. The material also emphasises the benefits of reusable cups, explaining how they significantly reduce waste, conserve resources, and lower energy consumption. The presentation encourages shifting to reusable cup systems as a more sustainable alternative.

Der Heißgetränkekonsum außer Haus

Deutsche Umwelthilfe (2019)

The document provides educational materials about the environmental impact of hot beverage consumption “to go,” particularly focusing on single-use cups in Germany. It highlights the scale of disposable cup usage, the resources consumed in their production, and the waste generated. The material includes statistics on consumer habits and the environmental footprint of disposable cups versus reusable alternatives. It also offers suggestions for promoting sustainable behaviour, such as encouraging the use of reusable cups and supporting policy measures to reduce waste from single-use packaging in the beverage industry.

Untersuchung der ökologischen Bedeutung von Einweggetränkebechern im Außer-Haus-Verzehr und mögliche Maßnahmen zur Verringerung des Verbrauchs

Umweltbundesamt (2019)

The document examines the environmental impact of single-use beverage cups, particularly those used for hot drinks in out-of-home consumption. In Germany, around 2.8 billion disposable cups are used annually, generating significant waste. The report highlights the challenges of waste management and littering, and evaluates voluntary and legal measures to reduce the use of disposable cups. Recommendations include promoting reusable cup systems, introducing deposit schemes, and implementing regulatory measures such as levies and better waste management strategies to reduce environmental harm.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Associated With Food Packaging for Online Food Delivery Services in Australia

Arunan et al. (2021)

This paper focuses on the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with packaging used in online food delivery services (OFDS). It quantifies the environmental impact of food packaging production and disposal in Australia, using a life cycle assessment approach. The study finds that packaging-related emissions for a single order range between 0.15 and 0.29 kg CO2e, with raw material production contributing over half of the emissions. It predicts a 132% rise in OFDS-related packaging emissions by 2024 and provides insights into reducing these impacts through better waste management strategies.

Potential Climate Benefit of Reusable Packaging in Food Delivery Services. A Chinese Case Study

Camps-Posino et al. (2021)

This study assesses the climate impact of food delivery packaging waste in China, focusing on single-use plastics. It evaluates the current system, highlighting the environmental damage caused by the growing use of plastic in food delivery services. The study also explores potential improvements through increased recycling, higher recycled content, and the introduction of reusable packaging. Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, it examines the effectiveness of these strategies in reducing the climate change impact of food packaging waste in China.

Reuse Wins: The Environmental, Economic, and Business Case for Transitioning from Single-Use to Reuse in Food Services

Upstream (2021)

The “Reuse Wins” report by Upstream Solutions highlights the environmental, economic, and social benefits of reusable packaging systems compared to single-use packaging. It presents data and case studies demonstrating how reuse can reduce waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and decrease pollution while promoting sustainable economic growth. The report argues that shifting to reusable systems in sectors like food service, retail, and shipping can save businesses money, create jobs, and protect natural resources. It calls for policy changes and business practices that support the transition to a circular economy where reuse is prioritised over disposability.

reCIRCLE. Lebenszyklus und Kreislauf Analyse

Environmental Action (2021)

The document analyses the environmental impact of reCIRCLE, a Swiss company offering reusable packaging systems for takeaway food. It compares the life cycle environmental performance of reCIRCLE’s reusable containers to single-use packaging alternatives commonly used in Switzerland. The study evaluates various factors, such as material production, usage frequency, washing, and recycling, to assess the overall carbon footprint and waste generation. The findings suggest that reCIRCLE’s reusable containers significantly reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions compared to disposable options, especially when reused multiple times. The report highlights the potential environmental benefits of adopting reusable packaging systems and supports policies promoting their wider use to mitigate the negative impacts of single-use packaging.

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