SURVEY: Sustainability Making a Comeback in Foodservice

According to GP PRO proprietary research conducted in July 2021, 55% of consumers would return to a restaurant more frequently if it used recyclable food packaging, and 54% would return more frequently if it used packaging made from recycled content.

Additional findings indicate that 7 in 10 consumers are willing to pay a premium above the cost of their meal if it is served on a 100% recycled fiber plate, 78% say a meal served on a 100% recycled fiber plate reflects positively on a brand, and 88% say it shows an operation is doing its part to be more sustainable.

“What we’re hearing from consumers and operators is that while the pandemic understandably prioritized hygiene, it only temporarily displaced a desire for sustainable foodservice packaging,” said Alec Frisch, vice president and general manager of Foodservice with GP PRO, which is well known for its Dixie® brand of foodservice solutions. “Hygiene remains critically important, but hygiene alone is not the golden ticket to a profitable foodservice establishment.”

The survey findings support GP PRO’s introduction of a number of sustainable food packaging solutions throughout 2022. Dixie® ecosmart™ 100% Recycled Fiber Paper Plates, Bowls and Hot Cups are made of 100% post-consumer recycled fiber, are durable, soak-proof, and microwavable, and are recyclable in facilities that accept paper products containing food waste. In addition, they’re certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the Recycled Paperboard Alliance, and the USDA. Dixie® Ultra® Compostable Insulated Food Wrap & Liner is double-layered and engineered to retain heat and maintain food integrity. It is also grease-resistant, microwavable, and customizable, and it’s compostable in commercial composting facilities. It is certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and is third-party tested to meet American Society for Testing and Materials standards for Industrial Compostable Products.

See the link below for more detailed information on sustainability survey findings.

GP PRO Consumers and Sustainability in Foodservice Survey