Reusable takeout initiatives are turning takeout on its head. The COVID-19 pandemic forced many restaurants to shift their services towards takeout rather than in-person dining. Now, some restaurants are testing reusable options in favour of single-use ones.
In this post, we’re highlighting 3 reusable takeout initiatives. Read on to learn more!
Starbucks
In a previous post, we showed you 3 paper cup alternatives. One of the options was to bring a reusable cup! Starbucks has always offered a small discount of $0.10 when you bring in your own cup to one of their locations, but now they’re going even further!
They’re introducing the SODO 8 Reusable Cup Program at the Starbucks café located in their head office. In this reusable takeout initiative, 100% of the beverages they are reusable cup (if they don’t already bring their own!). Once the customer finishes their drink, they leave their cup at a kiosk. After a professional wash, the cups are ready to use again!
Tim Horton’s
A Canadian classic, Tim Horton’s is even getting in on the reusable takeout initiatives! In locations in Burlington, Ontario, Tim Hortons is putting reusable takeout to the test. By partnering with Tupperware and Loop, Tim Hortons created returnable, reusable food packaging!
This program gives customers the option to pay a deposit and get reusable food packaging options. Similar to Starbucks’ program, upon return, these containers get a wash before reuse.
During COVID, we have seen that consumers have relied more on single-use cups and containers due to health restrictions. This initiative by Tim Hortons signals that getting back to adopting reusable containers will be important when those restrictions are lifted
Tom Szaky, TerraCycle and Loop CEO
A&W
A&W’s cups have been at the centre of recent cup innovations, but they’re doing more than just changing their cups. The introduction of the Cup Crew program works similarly to the other initiatives we’ve mentioned, with the best of both worlds.
In A&W’s version, customers can pay $3 for a reusable cup. On their next visit, they can exchange their old cup, and get a $0.20 discount on their next drink. They also get a wash before reuse, like all the other initiatives have offered. While A&W hopes to expand this initiative to all their locations, it’s currently only in place in select British Columbia and Saskatchewan stores!
Other Options
While reusable takeout containers are a great idea, they aren’t the most viable for small businesses. There are alternative packaging materials that can help you make a more eco-friendly switch! These include options like cornstarch packaging, PLA, sugarcane, and even bamboo!
If you’re not sure what the right choice is for you, contact us today to get in touch with one of our knowledgable packaging Consultants. Whether you’re looking for new ideas, or you already have something in mind, we’re with you every step of the way!
