Tips & tricks
for choosing and challenging your catering supplier
Selecting an eco-responsible catering supplier with a sustainable approach is not easy. No certified label exists yet. The best way is to choose a catering provider showing evidence of a sustainable approach in production and in human resources.
Check if there is a clear sustainability policy and/or a person in charge of sustainability.
- Request evidence: a clear process description or written chart is a clear indication that this catering supplier is concerned and active.
Check if waste is sorted and ask about the waste collection process.
- Look for separate containers for food & vegetable waste, PMD and paper, as well as treatment of grease and wastewater.
- Are there waste reduction programmes in the workshop and at events?
- How is recycling and composting organised?
Optimise quantity management to avoid waste.
Verify that at least 20% of food comes from bio sources (bread, tea, coffee, fruit and vegetables, etc.).
Ask for menus that include regional products. For example, local fruit apple, pear or grape juice replacing exotic fruit drinks.
Ask for menus that include seasonal products.
Ask for fair trade products such as coffee, sugar, tea, fruit juice (eg: Max Havelaar coffee).
Ask for a vegetarian menu as an option.
About materials:
- Request washable and reusable materials (glasses, plates, cutlery, etc.).
- Request tables and chairs that are already installed in the venue (avoiding additional transport).
- Avoid the extra packaging of individually packed goods (sugar, coffee, milk, biscuits, etc.) and disposable tray meals.
- Request returnable water bottles instead of plastic or, even better, ask for serving water in cans.
Learn about the human resources policy of your catering supplier:
does it include integration and training?
Learn about pre-printed menu cards: are they printed on recycled paper?
Do they contain information about sustainability programmes?
Promote the sustainable aspect of your catering choices in communications to internal audience and to participants.
