In a bid to tackle the sector’s efforts at reducing packaging waste, the event will see hospitality businesses, suppliers, parliamentarians and other supporters come together as they educate, inform and share best practices on the topic.
As well as raising awareness of the problem, hosts will also highlight the “positive work” already being done by the industry, with UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls explaining: ““Many businesses and industry bodies have already taken valuable steps to cut down on waste and encourage others to do so. The event will allow representatives from all aspects of hospitality to share their concerns, examples of best practice and formulate ideas to allow business to reduce waste.”
Mike Clist, BII chief executive and proponent of the event, agreed: “Hospitality businesses have already begun to address the issue of packaging, but there is more the sector, along with wider industry and policy-makers, can do.
“There is clearly a considerable appetite among the public, consumers and businesses in the UK to address the problem of waste, particularly around plastic, and the time is right for the sector to tackle the issue collectively.
“Businesses are fully aware of the implications of not tackling the issue head-on. We need to bring together representatives from the entire sector to formulate a plan that allows us to cut down on packaging waste without incurring costs that will harm businesses in other areas.”
Nicholls added: “We must be proactive on this issue, and changes in consumer and business practices need to come as a result of positive and decisive action led by industry. We cannot wait until the government acts by legislating in a way that potentially increases costs significantly for venues.
“The government’s proposal for a deposit scheme highlights the need for a united front from the sector to tackle the problem of packaging waste and avoid additional costs for businesses. This event will be the next step in allowing the hospitality sector to unite to make a considerable contribution to cutting packaging waste.”
Unpack the Future of Hospitality will take place 10 May at the Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking’s offices in central London. For more information or to register, visit: register https://www.unpackthefuture.co.uk.