31 May 2013
By Ben Messenger
Managing Editor http://www.waste-management-world.com/articles/2013/05/food-packaging-reuse–recycling—composting-recognised-at-indus.html
A number of waste reduction and recycling initiatives were among the winners of the 2013 Footprint ‘Special Achievement’ awards for the sustainability in the food service supply chain.
The winner of the Waste Management and Reduction Award went to Sodexo UK & Ireland’s ‘Sodexo at Central Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust’.
Sodexo provides its client with a full facilities management service, and in this case, alongside the client, worked to identify a ‘waste hierarchy’ which formed the basis of a food waste segregation strategy, ultimately leading to a reduction in food waste by 65.5%.
Meanwhile, environmentally friendly catering disposables and food packaging manufacturer, Vegware, picked up the Innovations in Packaging Award for its ‘Gourmet Hot Box’ (pictured).
The organisers said they had been impressed with Vegware’s Gourmet Hot Box for being an entirely re-usable, recyclable, plastic-free sealable container suitable for use in the freezer and microwave.
It is made from entirely compostable, natural materials and is claimed to be the first of its kind on the market.
Indeed, so impressed were Footprint with Vegware’s products that the company also collected the Sustainable Supplier Award for its full range of completely compostable catering disposables, all of which are suitable for food waste recycling after use.
Sandwich and snack retailer, Pret A Manger, was also honoured with the Social Impact and Diversity Award for its continued support of homeless people.
At the end of their first day’s trading in 1986 they donated their leftover food, which may otherwise have been landfilled as waste, to people sleeping rough nearby. The Pret Foundation Trust now donates around £800,000 annually for homelessness projects.
Anne Pierce, the CEO of The Springboard Charity, which helps young people achieve their potential, was named the overall winner of the Footprint ‘Special Achievement’ award 2013, for her contribution to the social sustainability of the industry, at a ceremony held in London.
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