You see them everywhere: disposables. But what exactly are disposables?
Simply put, disposables are single-use products that are used only once. In foodservice, you come across them everywhere. Think of a cardboard coffee cup, a container for chips or a napkin with your sandwich. They are convenient, hygienic and help you work quickly. Especially for takeaway, delivery or busy events, they are practically indispensable.
At the same time, traditional disposables, especially those made from plastic, create a lot of waste. That is why strict regulations now apply. Many types of plastic are banned or may only be used under certain conditions. Businesses can no longer ignore these rules. It is therefore important to know what is still allowed and which alternatives are available.
In this blog, we explain the different types of disposables, what is still permitted today and how we can help you make smart, more sustainable choices.
What types of disposables are there?
Disposables come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. What you need depends on what you serve. A smoothie requires something different from a portion of chips with sauce.
One of the best-known categories is packaging. Think of meal containers, salad bowls, coffee cups, soup bowls or paper bags for sandwiches and snacks. They are ideal for takeaway, delivery or serving food at an event.
Cutlery and straws also fall under disposables. Forks, knives, spoons and paper straws make it easy for customers to enjoy their food straight away, wherever they are.
At TakeAware, we mainly focus on disposables for food and drinks. You will find everything you need to package and serve your products neatly, practically and in accordance with current regulations. From sturdy sugarcane containers to cardboard cups and paper bags, always at a competitive price.
What is the difference between plastic disposables and more sustainable alternatives?
Traditional disposables are often made from plastic. Think of transparent drinking cups, plastic lids or polystyrene cutlery. Bioplastics such as PLA also fall into this category, even though they may sound more sustainable. PLA looks like conventional plastic but is made from plant-based raw materials. In practice, however, it is often difficult to recycle or compost, particularly through regular waste streams.
Since the introduction of the SUP Directive, or Single-Use Plastics Directive, stricter rules apply to these types of products. Many plastic disposables have now been banned or may only be used under certain conditions. This has led to a major shift towards more sustainable alternatives.
That is why we consciously offer disposables made from generally more sustainable materials, such as sugarcane, cardboard, palm leaf and wood. These materials can provide plastic-free alternatives and may have a lower environmental impact depending on the product and waste stream.
Why are businesses switching to more sustainable disposables?
More and more businesses are consciously choosing more sustainable disposables. This is no coincidence. It is the result of stricter legislation, growing environmental awareness among customers and increasing pressure on businesses to operate more sustainably.
Since 2023, additional rules have already come into force. For example, businesses may need to charge customers extra for certain plastic single-use packaging used for takeaway or delivery. Since 2024, stricter rules have also applied to plastic disposables used for consumption on site. Businesses therefore need to take these developments into account.
More sustainable disposables made from materials such as cardboard, sugarcane or wood can therefore be a practical and future-focused choice. They can also help businesses communicate a more environmentally conscious image to their customers.
Which disposables are available at TakeAware?
At TakeAware, you will find a wide range of more sustainable disposables suitable for different foodservice applications. Whether you run a food truck, snack bar or delivery business, we have everything you need to package your food neatly and practically.
Our packaging is available in materials such as sugarcane, cardboard and paper. Think of sturdy burger boxes, snack trays in different sizes for chips, snacks or street food, and sauce cups that are easy to stack and suitable for a wide range of sauces.
For products that you prefer to serve in a bag, such as chips, sandwiches or wraps, we offer practical snack bags and burger bags. They are grease-resistant, quick to use and help create a neat presentation.
We also offer a wide range of disposable cutlery and straws made from materials such as wood, paper and bamboo. These products are suitable for single use and provide alternatives to conventional plastic products.
Want to discover the complete range? Browse our collections and find the disposables that best suit your business.
Frequently asked questions about disposables
Are disposables always made from plastic?
No. Disposable simply means that a product is intended for single use. It can be made from plastic, but there are also plenty of plastic-free alternatives available today. Think of disposables made from cardboard, sugarcane, wood or palm leaf.
Can I still use plastic disposables?
That depends on the product and how it is used. Different rules apply to consumption on site, takeaway and delivery. More information can be found in our explanation of the SUP-regulations.
What is the difference between compostable and biodegradable?
Compostable means that a product can break down under specific controlled composting conditions, often in an industrial composting facility. Biodegradable is a broader term and means that a material can be broken down by microorganisms over time. This does not automatically mean that the product belongs in organic waste.
You can read more about this in our blog about compostable, biodegradable and plastic-free disposables.
How can I recognise more sustainable disposables?
More sustainable disposables are often made from materials such as sugarcane, cardboard or wood. You can also look for recognised certifications and labels, such as OK Compost or the FSC® certification. These can provide additional information about sourcing, compostability or other environmental characteristics.
More sustainable disposables at TakeAware
Wondering which disposables or materials are best suited to your business? Or do you have questions about packaging and the SUP rules? Feel free to contact us. We are happy to help you find the right solution.
Together, we can find an option that works for your business and helps you make a more conscious packaging choice.
