Packaging waste in gastronomy and everyday life

Packaging waste is an increasingly pressing environmental problem that also plays a major role in the catering industry. In this article, we answer some basic questions about packaging waste: What actually counts as packaging waste? How much waste is produced in Germany every year? And most importantly: What can we do to reduce the enormous amount of packaging waste?

What counts as packaging waste?

Packaging waste basically includes all packaging that ends up in the trash after use. In the catering industry, this particularly applies to packaging for food and drinks, such as disposable cups, disposable plates, pizza boxes and cling film.

How much residual waste is produced per person per year?

On average, each person in Germany produces over 600 kilograms of residual waste per year. A significant portion of this residual waste is packaging waste.

How much packaging waste is produced per capita in Germany?

In Germany, every German produces on average over 200 kilograms of packaging waste per year, with the majority ending up in residual waste.

How much plastic waste does Germany produce per year?

Germany is one of the largest producers of plastic waste in Europe, producing several million tonnes annually, with a significant proportion being packaging waste.

What causes the most plastic waste? Which packaging waste should be avoided?

Single-use plastic items such as drinking straws, disposable cutlery and plastic bags are particularly problematic as they can pollute the environment over a long period of time. It is important to avoid single-use packaging with a high plastic content and to use sustainable alternatives.

Which packaging is recyclable? Dispose of packaging waste in an environmentally friendly way

The recyclability of packaging depends on the materials. Many packaging made of paper, cardboard or glass can be easily recycled. When buying, make sure that the packaging can be easily recycled.

How can waste be avoided in everyday life? More than just packaging waste recycling!

There are various ways to help reduce packaging waste in everyday life:

• Reusable containers: Use reusable cups, bottles and bags.
• Unpackaged stores: Buying groceries in unpackaged stores reduces the use of unnecessary packaging.
• Conscious consumption: Choose products with minimal packaging or environmentally friendly alternatives.
• Sustainable gastronomy: Gastronomy businesses should switch to environmentally friendly packaging.

Packaging waste in Germany is a challenge that we must be aware of. It is our responsibility to work together to protect our environment and reduce the burden of packaging waste.