Sustainable eating: Leading the way towards a greener future in food
Did you know that the UK generates around 9.5 million tonnes of food waste per year, and of that, the UK hospitality industry contributes 1.1 million tonnes? This startling statistic highlights the pressing need for more sustainable food options in workplaces and beyond, particularly given the growing consumer demand for ethical, locally sourced, and plant-based meals.
At Eurest, we want to champion sustainable eating, which is why we’ve pledged that by 2030, 40% of the proteins on our menu will be plant-based, and food waste will be reduced by 50%. Keep reading to discover more about this consumer shift towards more sustainable food choices, how Eurest are adapting, and why it matters for our planet and customers alike.
Why eating sustainably matters
With a growing global consciousness around environmental issues, the hospitality industry faces incredible pressure to reduce its ecological footprint – especially considering that, of its 9.5 million tonnes of annual food waste, 36 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) is released into the atmosphere. Sustainable food practices, such as using locally sourced ingredients, prioritising plant-based meals, and minimising food waste, can significantly reduce these environmental impacts.
Today’s consumers are more conscious about what they eat and where it comes from. Modern eaters are more mindful than ever, craving options that reflect their commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices. Catering companies that prioritise more sustainable food options not only meet this demand but also set themselves apart in a bustling marketplace, drawing in eco-conscious clients and building lasting connections rooted in shared values.
Plus, by championing local farmers, fair labour practices and community engagement, sustainable food production helps to foster social equity, paving the way for a food system that benefits everyone, from farm to fork.
Leading the way
Eurest proudly stands as the first contract caterer to use eco-labelling, scoring our entire recipe portfolio from A to E based on environmental factors. Our collaboration with researchers from the University of Oxford's Livestock, Environment and People team has driven real behaviour change in our teams and among our customers and we were honoured to have received recognition for this initiative with the CSER award at the Foodservice Cateys 2023.
We also received the Sustainable Health in Hospitality Award at the Footprint Awards 2024. The award recognises our implementation of a reformulation strategy to reduce the carbon emissions of our most popular dishes.
By substituting 40% of the meat content in our 12 top-selling meals, we’ve been able to save an average of 1.39kg CO2e per portion without compromising on the dish’s nutritional value.
On a mission to reduce emissions
At Eurest, we're all about doing what's right for our clients, customers and planet. Whether it's sourcing ingredients locally or crafting delicious plant-based meals, we're already making meaningful changes that make a big impact.
But knowing we could do more to turn down the heat on our carbon footprint, we've teamed up with the wider Compass Group UK & Ireland to lead the charge in climate action. Our mission? To achieve net-zero emissions by 2030 while keeping taste, convenience and creativity at the forefront. From prioritising fresh, seasonal produce to making 40% of our meals plant-forward, we're dedicated to reaching Climate Net Zero by 2030.
We believe in being open and accountable every step of the way. That's why we're closely monitoring our progress, setting clear targets and sharing our achievements as we journey towards our Net Zero goal. Want to learn more about our roadmap and transition plan? Check out our resources here and here.
Partnered for better
As conscientious contract caterers, we leverage our influence to enhance wellbeing through planet-positive, sustainable food wherever possible. Putting our reach and networking skills into action, we use our purchasing power for positive change, partnering with suppliers to deliver delicious, real-world outcomes.
From the entirely plant-based Devil’s Kitchen to the carbon-neutral company Life Water, we’re proud to work with partners who are helping to drive real change. We also recently partnered with Foodsteps, a UK-based start-up that helps food businesses and consumers to understand the environmental impact of their food. Their impact assessments cover every stage of a food item's life cycle, from farming to methods of waste disposal.
Eco-conscious food for your workplace
Are you ready to make a positive impact through your workplace catering services? Eurest is proud to prioritise eating more sustainably, from our focus on plant-based meals to sourcing local ingredients wherever possible.
Contact our team today to learn more about how our food and drink solutions can improve your workplace.
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