'To go packaging' is hardly ever recycled

The packaging of to-go stores and fast-food chains is hardly recycled and the possibilities for reuse are very limited. This is according to research by Natuur & Milieu (Nature & Environment). Whether it is coffee cups, cups for soft drinks, bags for sandwiches or chip trays, as much as 85% of packaging ends up in the incinerator after a very short-term use. Interestingly, none of the paper packaging is recyclable.

Natuur & Milieu focused its research on thirteen major to-go brands, such as Starbucks, McDonald's, KFC, Burger King, Julia's, Hema, AH to go and Kiosk. The researchers looked at packaging material, waste separation in and around shops, recyclability and the supply of reusable variants.

Waste separation does not solve problem

The study found that 'paper-based' packaging, such as cardboard coffee cups, are all incinerated rather than recycled. About three-quarters of plastic packaging is incinerated, a quarter is recycled. That so much packaging goes flying into the incinerator is because there is hardly any waste separation for to-go packaging. Better separation would be a big improvement for plastic packaging, although packaging designs are the next problem. This is because the design does not sufficiently take into account what is needed for proper recycling. For paper packaging, moisture and food residues are the main culprits. If paper is contaminated, recycling is no longer possible.

Reuse

The survey further shows that reusable packaging is still in the early stages. Only for hot drinks are reusable options offered at some locations. This mainly involves customers bringing their own cup.

Legislation

From 1 July 2023, retailers and catering establishments are obliged to offer reusable options for their to-go range as well. For disposable cups and trays, they will have to start charging customers an extra fee. In addition, Brussels launched a proposal in early December to reduce the amount of packaging material. 

Government

Natuur & Milieu says the government should make reusable packaging compulsory. Companies will then have to take big steps to adapt their packaging policies accordingly.

Read the full study 'To go packaging: from incinerator to reuse'
Natuurenmilieu.nl