Leading caterer, Elior UK, is proud to announce a new partnership with FSG Returnables (FSG) to introduce reusable takeaway food containers, at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL).
The initiative aims to significantly reduce single-use packaging waste.
The new reusable takeaway containers have been introduced at NPL and customers pay a deposit and receive a token when they borrow a reusable container. Once the container is returned, they receive their token back so they can borrow again. From the end of September, a £1 charge will apply if customers opt for a non-reusable takeaway box, encouraging a site-wide switch to sustainable practices.
The introduction of reusable containers follows the successful introduction of reusable coffee cups, removal of all bottled water, and the installation of water fountains across NPL - changes that have been embraced by nearly all the 600 people who use the building each day. Elior’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the recent launch of Elior at Work, its new workplace dining brand, created following extensive research into what customers want from their catering offer. At its core, Elior at Work focuses on sustainability, protecting the planet, and taking meaningful action to reduce waste and carbon emissions.
Lisa Tomkins, Contract Manager at Elior, said: “We’ve seen how quickly the NPL community adapted to reusable coffee cups and the removal of single-use plastic bottles. The introduction of reusable takeaway boxes is the next natural step. It’s about creating simple, sustainable habits that reduce waste and carbon emissions while also delivering a better dining experience.”
Paula Henderson, Sustainability Advisor at NPL, commented: “Sustainability is central to our mission at NPL, and we’re proud to be working with Elior and FSG to cut down on unnecessary waste. By embedding reusable solutions into daily life on site, we’re setting a positive example of how workplaces can help drive environmental change.”
Lynn Johnson, Managing Director of FSG added: “Our vision is a circular future for food and drink packaging, and partnerships like this bring that vision to life. By replacing single-use containers with reusables, we can reduce carbon emissions, prevent waste from ending up in landfill or incineration, and help organisations like NPL lower their environmental footprint. So far, FSG has helped stop over one billion single-use food and drink disposables from being discarded, landfilled or incinerated and this project will add to that impact.”
The environmental benefits are significant. Based on 100 takeaway containers used daily for main meals, switching to reusables will deliver an estimated 5,412 kg CO₂ reduction in yearly emissions.
By choosing reusables, NPL and Elior are helping to cut carbon emissions, reduce financial costs of single-use packaging and eliminate waste and the impact on landfill.