Cater For You has long advocated for sustainable and eco-friendly food and drink packaging, introducing compostable and recyclable products to its range many years ago. A recent interview on BBC Sounds* by Mary Ann Hobbs on 6Music with Steve Lamacq, which focused on sustainability at live music venues, sparked an interest in the various options for providing more environmentally friendly solutions.
Andy Watts, Director at Cater For You, is a regular gig goer and commented, ‘I’ve often pondered the enormous waste and environmental impact of all the disposable plastic glasses strewn across the floor at the end of a gig and whether they are being collected to be recycled or just sent straight to landfill.”
Paper pint cups and glasses are relatively new but represent a welcome innovation. Steve Lamacq spoke eloquently about various linings, noting that the ideal option is Aqueous. This fully compostable lining ensures that the cup remains leakproof. However, we have found that Aqueous lining is significantly more expensive than alternative options. Given that live music venues struggle to remain profitable, this presents an interesting dilemma. It's important to ensure that paper cups are collected and appropriately composted; if sent to a landfill, they could release methane.
The interview also highlighted the potential for using reusable plastic glasses instead of disposable ones. Polycarbonate plastic glasses, a staple of the Cater For You range for over 20 years, are virtually unbreakable. They can withstand commercial washing up to 500 times and can be dropped or stepped on without breaking. These glasses are available in various thicknesses. However, venues must consider safety if a crowd throws them; this is where the flexibility of disposable glasses or soft paper cups offers a significant advantage.
For any of these solutions—paper cups, disposable plastic glasses, or unbreakable plastic glasses—we recommend working closely with the venue’s waste collection provider. The effectiveness of sorting, collection, and associated costs will vary, ultimately shaping a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution while ensuring safety for concertgoers.
Andy Watts remarked, “The market is constantly changing, with innovative and more environmentally friendly solutions being developed. It's fantastic to raise awareness about these issues and support sustainable, lower-waste solutions efforts. We encourage venues to contact us to learn more about what is currently available and in the pipeline.”
Another strategy for live venues is to consider using printed glasses and charging a deposit for them. This approach could deter littering and encourage the use of reusable yet breakable glasses, which visitors may take home as souvenirs. Although printed glasses are more expensive to produce, they provide a premium feel, and when ordered in substantial volumes, the added cost becomes minimal.
Phil Stears, another Director at Cater For You, stated, “Live music festivals have been ahead of the curve in demanding more compostable solutions. Many of our pop-up food customers have been seeking this kind of solution for years, and we have been pleased to assist them.”