In this episode of Let’s Set Your Table, the hosts discuss green and sustainable disposables with their guests from Eco Products. Our guests for this episode were Toby Alves, Product and Zero Waste Specialist with Eco-Products and Nicole Geletka, Regional Sales Manager with Eco-Products.

They aim to clarify the confusion around terms like “biodegradable” and “compostable” and educate owner-operators on waste diversion and the benefits of using certified compostable packaging.

The guests explain the differences between biodegradable and compostable materials, emphasizing that compostable items break down quickly and leave behind beneficial compost, while biodegradable items take longer and may leave residuals. They also highlight the importance of proper sorting and the role of signage in waste diversion. The guests offer their services and support to help operators make the transition to more sustainable practices!

Key Takeaways

• Compostable items break down quickly and leave behind beneficial compost, while biodegradable items take longer and may leave residuals.
• Compostable products are more strictly regulated with clear standards, while the term biodegradable is less regulated and can be misleading.
• Proper sorting and signage are important for successful waste diversion.
• Eco Products offers a range of new and innovative products for operators looking to transition to more sustainable practices.
• The cost of waste diversion and composting depends on the market and contract negotiations, but it can lead to cost savings and environmental benefits.

Sound Bites:

** “Compostable materials are designed to break down quickly and leave behind beneficial compost, while biodegradable materials take longer and could leave residuals.”

** “Compostable items need a specific composting environment to break down properly, while biodegradable items may break down in a wider range of environments.”

** “Compostable products are more strictly regulated with clear standards, while the term biodegradable is less regulated and can sometimes be misleading.”

What we discussed:

00:00 – Introduction and Discussion of Green Disposables
05:26 – Roles and Value of Product and Zero Waste Specialists
07:53 – Eco Products’ Differentiators and Commitment to Sustainability
13:52 – Educating Operators on Waste Diversion and Composting
17:52 – Clarifying the Differences: Biodegradable vs. Compostable
23:57 – Taking the Next Step: Entry Points for Operators
27:03 – Cost Considerations and Services Offered by Eco Products
29:35 – New and Exciting Innovations from Eco Products

Links: 

Explore innovative industry leading green compostable packaging solutions at : https://www.hodegroup.com

The Hode Group Chicago Showroom: hodegroupshowroom.com

Let’s Set Your Table: Apple Podcasts 

In this episode of Let’s Set Your Table, host John D and co-host Melissa Marguerite discuss the importance of napkins in the dining experience. They are joined by Patrick Garrigan, National Sales Brand Manager from Midwest Specialty Products, who provides insights into the different types of napkins and their impact on the customer’s perception. They highlight the role of napkins in cleanliness, presentation, and branding. The conversation also touches on the environmental impact of different napkin options and the cost-effectiveness of higher quality napkins. The episode concludes with a discussion on custom capabilities and the potential for using napkins as a marketing tool.

Key Takeaways

• Napkins play a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness and enhancing the presentation at the dining table.
• Higher quality napkins can improve the overall dining experience and reduce waste.
• Napkins can be used as a branding tool to reinforce the restaurant’s image and increase revenue.
• Air-laid napkins offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to linen napkins.
• Custom printed napkins provide an opportunity to showcase specials, desserts, and other promotional content.
  

Sound Bites:

** “Higher quality napkins end up costing the establishment less in the long run.”
** “If your napkin is doing the job it’s supposed to do, the wet naps become obsolete.”
** “Restroom cleanliness is ranked number two in leaving an impression on patrons.”

What we discussed:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:39 The Importance of Napkins in the Dining Experience
08:09 Choosing the Right Napkin: Quality and Cost Considerations
09:45 The Environmental Impact of Napkin Choices
12:31 Custom Capabilities: Using Napkins as a Marketing Tool

Links: 

Explore innovative napkin solutions at : https://www.hodegroup.com

The Hode Group Chicago Showroom: hodegroupshowroom.com

Let’s Set Your Table: Apple Podcasts 

This conversation explores the benefits and applications of foil packaging in the food industry. The hosts discuss the advantages of foil packaging, such as heat retention and even heating, and its suitability for takeout and home meal replacement programs. They also address concerns about the perception of foil packaging and the importance of educating customers about its qualities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of the customer experience and the role of foil packaging in delivering high-quality food. The hosts suggest passing on the cost of packaging to consumers and highlight the potential for creative designs and colors in foil packaging.

Click for images of the California foil takeout packaging referenced in this episode: https://tinyurl.com/5n7xfdyw

Check out the black and gold foil series containers: https://tinyurl.com/3jd6xb5d

Key Takeaways

• Foil packaging offers excellent heat retention and even heating, making it ideal for takeout and home meal replacement programs.
• Educating customers about the qualities of foil packaging can help them understand its benefits and overcome any concerns about its appearance.
• Foil packaging provides a grease barrier and helps maintain the quality and freshness of the food.
• Operators can pass on the cost of packaging to consumers to ensure the use of high-quality materials.
• Foil packaging can be customized with different colors and designs to enhance the customer experience.

What we discussed:

00:00 Show Introduction
03:20 Discussion on Foil Packaging
08:18 Switching from Compostable Packaging to Foil
10:25 Foils as a Viable Option for Takeout Packaging
13:02 Crimping and Sealing Foil Containers
15:55 Presentation and Grease Barrier of Foil Packaging
20:23 Home Meal Replacement Concept
24:05 Passing Packaging Costs to Consumers
26:06 Different Colors and Designs for Foil Packaging
27:35 Maximizing Customer Experience with Foil Packaging
29:41 Conclusion and Call to Action

Links: 

Explore the vast product list of aluminum foil takeout packaging at: https://www.hodegroup.com

The Hode Group Chicago Showroom: hodegroupshowroom.com

Let’s Set Your Table: Apple Podcasts