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Takeaway Food and Drinks More Sustainable

How to Make Takeaway Food and Drinks More Sustainable

In the U.S., takeaway food and drinks are part of everyday life—whether it’s grabbing coffee on the way to work, picking up lunch from a food truck, or ordering dinner from a fast-casual restaurant. But with the convenience of takeaway comes a cost: the mountains of single-use plastic and styrofoam packaging that often end up in landfills or polluting waterways.

takeaway food and drinks

For foodservice businesses, switching to sustainable takeaway packaging is no longer optional—it’s an expectation from eco-conscious customers and, increasingly, a requirement due to local plastic bans. Choosing the right compostable packaging can set your business apart, reduce waste, and show customers you care about the planet.

Why Go Sustainable?

There are several reasons why sustainable packaging is quickly becoming the standard for restaurants, cafés, and food vendors. From regulations to customer demand, here’s why it matters:

  • Plastic bans are spreading: Many U.S. cities and states have already banned styrofoam and single-use plastics. Staying ahead means avoiding compliance headaches.
  • Environmental impact is huge: Plastic-lined paper containers and bioplastics that don’t break down safely still contribute to waste and microplastic pollution.
  • Customer loyalty grows: Today’s consumers actively seek out eco-friendly restaurants and food trucks. Green packaging can enhance your brand image and boost sales.

Watch Out for Greenwashing

Not all “eco-friendly” packaging is truly sustainable. Businesses need to look beyond the labels to ensure they’re choosing packaging that is safe for customers and the environment. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

paper takeaway containers
  • Paper isn’t always compostable: Many paper takeaway containers are lined with thin plastic, making them non-compostable and non-recyclable.
  • Beware of PFAS chemicals: Some sugarcane or bamboo packaging is coated with PFAS (“forever chemicals”) to make it water-resistant. These are harmful and should be avoided. Our HAY! Hot Cup Lids are PFAS-free!
  • Look for certified solutions: Always choose PFAS-free, certified compostable packaging that has been tested for safety.

Simple Swaps That Make a Big Impact

Small changes in packaging choices can go a long way in reducing waste while still offering convenience to customers. HAY! Straws offers plastic-free food packaging designed specifically for takeaway food and drinks. These swaps are easy, cost-effective, and customer-approved:

plastic-free food packaging
  • Wrapped Compostable Straws – Made from natural wheat stems, PFAS-free, hygienic, and perfect for hot or cold drinks on the go.
  • Bamboo Cutlery – Strong, durable, and plastic-free. Available in bulk in unwrapped or wrapped sets for hygienic takeaway service.
  • Coffee Cup Lids (12oz) – Made from bamboo + sugarcane fiber, PFAS-free, certified compostable, and spill-resistant.
  • Bamboo Pizza Savers – A flat-pack, compostable alternative to the plastic “pizza tripod,” saving storage space and cutting down waste.
cold drinks on the go

By replacing styrofoam containers, plastic straws, and bioplastics with these biodegradable takeaway supplies, foodservice operators can offer eco-to-go packaging that truly works.

Best Use Cases by Industry

Sustainable packaging isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different types of foodservice businesses have unique needs depending on how they serve customers and manage operations. Here are some of the industries that see the greatest benefits from switching to plastic-free solutions:

Sustainable packaging
  • Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors – Space-saving compostable packaging makes service easier.
  • Coffee Shops & Cafes – Compostable straws and lids enhance eco-friendly branding.
  • Fast-Casual & Takeaway Restaurants – PFAS-free containers keep food safe without greenwashing.
  • Event Catering & Pop-Ups – Elegant, wholesale options for high-volume service to reduce event waste.

Business Benefits of Going Plastic-Free

Switching to eco-friendly takeaway packaging doesn’t just protect the planet—it also helps businesses grow. From strengthening your reputation to cutting hidden costs, here’s why going plastic-free is a smart move:

eco-friendly takeaway packaging
  • Build customer trust and loyalty with eco-conscious packaging.
  • Comply with U.S. city and state bans on styrofoam and plastics.
  • Save storage space and reduce shipping costs with flat-pack designs.
  • Access wholesale pricing on high-quality, certified compostable supplies.

Ready to Upgrade Your Takeaway Food Packaging?

Switching to eco-friendly packaging for restaurants doesn’t just help the planet—it helps your business thrive. HAY! Straws makes it easy with compostable straws, bamboo cutlery, pizza savers, and coffee cup lids designed for real-world foodservice needs.

bamboo cutlery

Explore HAY! Straws’ full range of sustainable packaging
Request free samples today and see why businesses across the U.S. trust HAY! for plastic-free takeaway food solutions.