Going Green – We find out what it takes

James Snow Talks Going Green – with Industry Experts at Bullseye Food Packaging

Going Green is no longer a choice now that the single-use plastic ban in the UK is in force – presenting several challenges for businesses in the fast-food takeaway & street food sector.

Whilst the sector is already subject to various regulations, including food safety & hygiene, employment law, staffing and licensing etc., these changes in regulations can potentially impact the way food-to-go businesses operate and will often require major adjustments to their practices..

With all of these factors in mind, our Takeaway Times’ editor James Snow conducts an exclusive Going Green Q&A session with one of the leading providers of sustainable packaging solutions for the street food and takeaway fast-food sector – Bullseye Food Packaging.

In this insightful article, James delves deep into the world of eco-friendly packaging, exploring how Bullseye can help operators navigate the challenges of the single-use plastic ban.

Join us as we uncover the answers to ten burning questions that street food and takeaway food operators have about sustainable packaging solutions.

Q: How can Bullseye Food Packaging help takeaway food operators comply with the single-use plastic ban while maintaining cost-effectiveness?

Going green doesn’t have to cost the earth!  Every product supplied by Bullseye is made from sustainable materials which are unaffected by the ban, and we work directly with manufacturers, cutting out the so-called ‘middle men’ and their margins to ensure our products offer great value.

Q: What types of eco-friendly packaging options does Bullseye Food Packaging offer, and how do they compare in terms of durability and functionality?

We supply everything from cutlery and straws to cups, food containers and film-sealable meal trays. The materials used in our products, such as high-quality paperboard, sugarcane fibre and wood, are all much more robust than their plastic equivalents, and offer a vast improvement in usability over the more ‘traditional’ food packaging materials such as plastic or aluminium foil.  

Q: With sustainability being a key concern, how does Bullseye ensure that its packaging solutions are truly environmentally friendly?

We work closely with all our manufacturers and suppliers to ensure the raw materials used in our products come from responsible sources, such as certified sustainable forests for example, and that they can be disposed of in a responsible way at their end of their useful life.  Additionally, throughout the whole supply chain we ensure that all processes used are the most efficient, down to the smallest details such as grouping our local deliveries together to reduce the number of visits made to one area.

Q: What support does Bullseye Food Packaging provide to operators in transitioning to sustainable packaging, from initial consultation to implementation?

The first step in Going Green and making the change would be a no-obligation discussion with one of the team.  We find the best way to do this is ‘face-to-face’ at your premises as we are able to fully understand your business and requirements, and therefore offer the best solutions for your business.  We will then put together a personalised, cost-effective proposal for all the products we feel would benefit you, your business and customers. Finally, we would assist with any promotional materials you wish to produce to communicate these positive changes to your customers, and are always available to answer any questions or queries that may arise.  As your business grows we would work with you to ensure the packaging solutions you are using are still suitable for your needs, recommending any changes or upgrades that may be required.

Q: In addition to compliance, how does Bullseye Food Packaging prioritise food safety and hygiene standards in its packaging solutions?

All of our products are food contact safe, and are packaged in sealed cases to preserve this status. We are also certified to ISO 9001:2015 standards, and all of our manufacturing partners also carry certifications, such as ISO or BRC, giving reassurance that the products are made to the highest standards. 

Q: How does Bullseye Food Packaging address the issue of branding and customisation for operators looking to maintain their brand identity through packaging?

Many of our products can be customised with logos, branding and colours.  We can also supply labels, sleeves and other items to help our customers communicate their brand though the packaging they use.  

Q: With the rise of delivery services, what considerations should operators keep in mind when selecting packaging solutions for food delivery?

There are several things to take into account regarding packaging when delivering food, such as:

• Keeping food at the appropriate temperature, which is where sustainable materials such as fibre or paper offer an advantage over plastic; fibrous materials are insulating, keeping food hot for longer than plastic (or indeed foil) containers which radiate heat.
• The security of the packaging, ensuring that the contents do not spill or leak; many of our products can be film-sealed or come with clip-on lids to ensure this security.
• The safety and robustness of the packaging: plastic containers are notoriously brittle and can easily break, not only spilling the contents but also leaving sharp edges for customers and delivery drivers to injure themselves on.  Sustainable, fibre-based containers are much more robust than plastic, won’t break if dropped, and have no sharp edges.  Being insulating materials that keep heat in, they also don’t get hot, thereby reducing the likelihood of burn/scold injuries as well.

Q: Can Bullseye Packaging offer insights into the latest trends and innovations in sustainable packaging within the takeaway industry?

The use of sustainable packaging has been on the rise for many years now, which can only be a good thing for society and the planet.  As a result, many materials are being manufactured in greater quantities which means we are starting to see an improvement in pricing as well.  In addition, new materials are being developed all the time; for example, we are currently working with a new manufacturer who has developed a fully home compostable film for use as both a laminating and film-sealing material for use in ready-meal trays, which we hope to bring to the market later this year.

Q: What steps is Bullseye Food Packaging taking to stay ahead of regulatory changes and ensure that its packaging solutions remain compliant?

The key here is cooperation, with industry partners, regulatory bodies and other suppliers; the packaging community is a surprisingly close-knit one, so news of any regulatory changes or new developments are spread quickly.  There are also a wide range of seminars, networking opportunities and events taking place, where we keep abreast of any upcoming changes.  We are also fortunate to work with some outstanding manufacturing partners, who prioritise compliance with the various legislations being introduced, not just in the UK but around the world.

Q: For operators interested in making the switch to Bullseye Food Packaging, what is the process for getting started, and what ongoing support can they expect?

The best thing to do is drop us a line, either via our website, www.bpuk.com, or give us a call on 0800 011 2311, and we can have a quick introductory chat about your requirements.  As part of our service, we always ensure we visit with our customers at their premises to fully understand their requirements, and personalise their recommendations.  Moving forward, we regularly communicate with our customers to keep abreast of any changes to their business and how their packaging can be altered or upgraded to reflect this, as well as offer news and updates from our side, such as the release of new products or regulatory changes they should be aware of.

James concludes:

As takeaway and street food operators navigate the complexities of the single-use plastic ban and strive to meet the growing demand for sustainable practices, Bullseye Food Packaging emerges as a beacon of innovation and reliability when transitioning to Going Green.

With its comprehensive range of eco-friendly packaging solutions, unwavering commitment to compliance and quality, and dedicated support for operators, Bullseye stands ready to empower businesses to embrace a greener future. Take action today and join the sustainable packaging revolution with Bullseye FoodPackaging as your trusted partner.

Read more about Going Green solutions from Bullseye here: https://takeawaytimes.co.uk/attention-street-food-and-takeaway-operators/