Unexpected Savings Series: Disposables
Could Your Disposable Restaurant Supplies Save You Money?
Finding savings in unexpected places is all about reviewing your current strategies and purchases, then finding the places where savings are hidden. Reviewing your disposable purchasing plan is a great place to start. You may find you’re spending more than expected on disposable restaurant supplies.
Understanding the Impact: Disposable Restaurant Supplies
The 2020 pandemic took takeout and delivery from occasional indulgences to common practices for more Americans than ever. With the rise in demand for to-go meals, so came a bigger need for disposable cutlery and packaging. According to the Foodservice Packaging Institute, 50% of Americans use single-use items once a week.
If you’re keeping up with demand for these disposable items, you’re probably spending a pretty penny on purchasing in this category. That’s why refining your procurement strategy when it comes to items like to-go boxes and plastic forks is important.
Programs to Watch
Choosing the right disposable restaurant supplies can be tricky. You want to find high-quality items that fit your brand standards, but you also want to sign onto programs that fit your budget. If you work with Foodbuy Foodservice, you have a few options.
Our Disposable Category experts recommend:
Pactiv Evergreen – A long-standing packaging provider in the foodservice industry, Pactiv Evergreen’s portfolio covers a wide range of disposables. From cutlery to to-go boxes, they have options that suit a variety of functional and aesthetic needs. You can find recommended products under the Pactiv Corp and Earth
Choice lines.
Huhtamaki – This sustainability conscious company brought to the market an innovative molded-fiber
product that meets PFAS requirements for many states. This makes them an ideal option for both fast-casual applications and any restaurants looking to improve sustainability. You can find these products under the Envirables line.
Strategize to Save
While your first step may be finding the right programs, the second step is cutting out any inefficiencies in your disposable restaurant supplies purchasing strategy. Here are a few ways to trim the fat from your plan:
Rationalize SKUs wherever possible – cutting down to a few products can save you money on your overall orders.
Don’t overthink appearances – minor aesthetic changes like switching from white forks to black forks or transitioning to certain bag design can make all the difference, with minimal disruption to customers.
Reassess usage – don’t just assume that your past orders are perfect. Looking at how much product you use each month compared with how much you order can help you cut down excess.
Looking for more ways to save? Foodbuy Foodservice has a full suite of resources at our disposal. Contact an account manager today.