The biggest implications
Ultimately, Schulman says there are challenges and opportunities related to single-use packaging trends that have increased during the pandemic. The opportunity lies in the fact that reusable products can help a world experiencing severe supply chain shortages, says Schulman.
Consumers want choice and ease, says Schulman. The pandemic changed many behaviors, including where and how consumers get their food. However, it also gives diners a closer look at the amount of waste generated by packaging.
As Sweetgreen takes smaller steps toward its 2027 carbon neutrality goal, the company says it recognizes that food decisions create some of the biggest impacts in the climate crisis.
“Because agricultural practices have such an impact on the origin of carbon emissions, we should all be more aware of our food-related decisions and their impact on the climate,” says Quandt. “So restaurants, or anyone in the foodservice space, should start thinking about their impact and how to mitigate some of the emissions that are going on.”
Consumer concerns will guide restaurants toward these goals, as public and consumer priorities are in seemingly endless flux. The pandemic reflected it. Schulman says CAVA saw a slowdown in non-single-use options and a greater focus on racial justice, health disparities, and labor and employment rights. Still, sustainability was not forgotten, and probably will not be as long as the climate crisis continues.
“For many, the pandemic was also a period where many consumers began to think about how things could be different, including how we interact with our environment and how much waste we generate,” says Schulman. “We believe that waste will remain a long-term priority issue due to major environmental concerns. Waste is usually the most tangible for the consumer: it is what they see every day when they leave a store with their food or drink.
When even a mega-brand like McDonald’s is investing in a plant-based burger, it’s clear that sustainability is quickly becoming mainstream, Noonan says.
“Concepts that aren’t thinking of sustainability as a paw on the brand door could be risking their relevance,” says Noonan.
Burnett echoes this sentiment. “I think the consumer has the trump card in all of this, that is, they vote with their wallets,” he says. “I think the most conscientious consumers continue to vote with their wallet every day.”