For years, packaging was treated as something separate from the product. The oil was the purchase. The container was just how it arrived. But after enough time inside high-volume foodservice, that distinction becomes harder to maintain. In practice, the container shapes the work. It affects space, labor, safety, cleanliness, purchasing routines, waste flow, and the number of small touches required to keep a kitchen running. That is where my thinking began to change.
Read MoreSustainability conversations often start with the package. A material is made lighter. Recycled content is increased. Plastic is replaced with fiber. A disposable format becomes compostable. In many cases, these are worthwhile improvements. They can reduce harm and move an organization in a better direction.
Read MoreSustainability conversations often focus on what happens after materials have done their job. Waste is sorted, hauled, diverted, composted, recycled, or sent to landfill. Reporting usually begins there as well, once materials have already entered the waste stream and require some form of handling.
Read MoreMuch of the sustainability conversation today focuses on materials. Plastic versus compostable. Recyclable versus biodegradable. But in high volume operations, another shift is beginning to emerge: redesigning the systems that create the waste in the first place.
Read MoreChase Center, home to the Golden State Warriors and a premier destination for fans across the Bay Area, has set a new standard in NBA arenas by embracing sustainability and innovation in its food service operations. Recently, the arena earned the No. 3 spot overall in NBA arena rankings for the 2024-25 season, with particular accolades for its dining experience, which ranked No. 1 in both food/concessions and amenities.
Read MoreIn today's fast-paced world, where food travels long distances before reaching our plates, there is a growing movement towards embracing locally grown food. The benefits of consuming food that is sourced from nearby farms go beyond just satisfying our taste buds.
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