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Reusable Packaging
Hygiene is a key factor in offering food in reusable packaging
It’s estimated that less than 1% of single-use drink cups get recycled, even if put in a recyclable wate bin. This is because they are made from mixed materials, making them more difficult to recycle, so end up in landfill.
As governments, businesses and consumers are becoming more and more conscious about planet health, there is a constant want and need for implementing more sustainable practices. One example of this is the EU Directive on single-use- plastics (SUP), where individual EU member states are changing their packaging laws and regulations, leading to foodservice operators needing to offer reusable wares as an alternative to single-use wares. With the implementation of new regulations, correct cleaning and disinfection are critical factors for ensuring food safety and maintaining the lifespan of the reusable food and beverage containers.
Cleaning of reusable wares and food packaging
Correct cleaning and disinfection are critical factors for ensuring food safety and maintaining the lifespan of the reusable food and beverage containers.
Compared to a traditional warewashing operation, there are further risks and impacts associated with a reusable warewashing. Having the incorrect cleaning and hygiene program can lead to additional:
- Food safety risks
- Negative customer experiences and subsequently loss of reputation
- Additional costs due to:
- Reduced lifespan of reusable ware, prompting additional repurchase
- Increased water & energy use and workforce resource
This is where Ecolab, as the industry experts, brings extensive know-how and expertise to the table to help you successfully implement solutions to ensure clean and safe reusables in your operation. As a result:
- The right procedures are safely followed
- The right products for the right type of materials are used
- The right results are achieved
- Water, energy, waste and procedural time is reduced
- Overall costs are minimised
Resources
Find below a collection of relevant information and materials that will help guide you to implementing and maintaining a clean and safe reusable warewashing operation.
Reusable warewashing support guide
This document provides you with background information on where the new regulations have come from and why, what it means for foodservice operations, what considerations should be made for reusable wares, what the risks are, and how to avoid them.
From our experts: Hygiene of different types of wares
Our experts have compiled interesting know-how, information and specific tips on warewashing of glass, stainless steel, porcelain and plastic and ensuring cleanliness and longevity.
Reusable Wares Cleaning Program for Quick Service Restaurants
Find out more about the components of a successful reusable warewashing program for quick service restaurants.
On Demand Webinar: Reusables the new way?
In this webinar, a cooperation of Ecolab and the German reusable packaging association (Mehrwegverband Deutschland e.V.), the legal framework for the obligation to provide reusable packaging for out-of-home catering is presented and the topic of hygienic processing of reusable plastic packaging is explored in more detail.
On Demand Webinar: Do reusable wares provide additional value?
The new packaging law has shown that companies have to overcome some hurdles in terms of hygiene, logistics and costs when implementing it. Is reusable packaging really worth it? When does reusable material generate real added value in terms of sustainability? This webinar in collaboration between Ecolab and TOMRA Reuse aims to find answers to these questions and look into the future.
Hygienic washing of multi-use plastic tableware
Recommendations from the Working Group on Commercial Dishwashing (AK GGS).
Reusable Wares Cleaning Solutions From Ecolab
Apex: Machine Warewashing
Apex helps you to achieve new efficiencies within your warewashing operation. Giving you more control over your warewashing and total costs, but making it simpler than ever to run your dishroom and get outstanding results.
Solids: Machine Warewashing
Our Solid dishwashing program offers efficiency and dependability for high volume operations through high performing, longer-lasting products.
Liquid: Machine Warewashing
Our complete dishwashing liquid program helps to streamline your dishwashing operations offering a complete range of liquid detergent, rinse additives and sanitizers to keep your undercounter or hood type machine working at its best.
Additional Programs to Support Foodservice Businesses
Our Sustainability Impact
At Ecolab, sustainability is an integral part of everything we do. Through technology, information, on-site service and training, we help companies around the world achieve exceptional business results, while advancing a positive environmental and social impact. The work we do matters, and the way we do it matters to our employees, customers and our communities.