Plastic Foodware Alternatives for Restaurants

The restaurant industry serves millions of meals daily—and a mountain of plastic waste comes with that. From straws to takeout containers, single-use plastic has long been the norm, but consumers are starting to demand change. People want their favorite eateries to step up, ditch plastic, and embrace sustainable alternatives. Many consumers are willing to reward restaurants that lead the way in sustainability with lasting loyalty. 

Navigating the world of eco-friendly disposables can feel overwhelming, especially with updated legislation and endless product options. That’s where understanding your alternatives becomes essential. 

Why Limit Plastic in Your Restaurant?

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. With thousands of videos surfacing online of our oceans, rivers, dams, and even sewage pipes clogged with plastic products, the average consumer is now aware of the effects of plastic. Single-use plastics take centuries to degrade, clogging landfills and wreaking havoc on our marine life. The foodservice industry contributes significantly to this crisis but also holds the power to drive change.

Consumers are increasingly choosing restaurants that prioritize sustainability. According to industry surveys, nearly 90% of diners prefer to support businesses with eco-friendly practices. This shift is seen across industries, from foodservice to governments worldwide tightening regulations on single-use plastics, with bans on plastic straws, cutlery, and containers already in effect. 

Adopting sustainable alternatives now positions your restaurant as an industry leader. It shows that you care about the environment and are proactive about future-proofing your business. Sustainable choices can enhance your brand story, attract eco-conscious customers, and differentiate you from competitors still clinging to plastic.

Exploring some practical alternatives that balance functionality, affordability, and environmental impact is key to your success as a sustainable establishment.

Five Plastic Alternatives for Restaurants 

From dinnerware and cups to cutlery and takeout boxes, there are plenty of eco-friendly food packaging options for restaurants to adopt, including:

Agave-Based Products From Greenprint

Agave-based straws and cutlery are among the most innovative alternatives on the market—and they’re a game-changer for restaurants. These products are crafted from upcycled agave fibers, a by-product of tequila production, giving new life to plant waste that otherwise would be discarded.

Greenprint dries the agave fibers to remove any impurities, grinds them into a fine powder, and compounds them with recycled plastic resin or plant-based biopolymer to create durable, high-quality products. Agave-based items come in two varieties:

• Agave-recycled: These products contain plant fibers and recycled plastic, breaking down in landfills within one to three years—much faster than traditional plastics. At Greenprint, our agave-based products use verified and traceable recycled plastic and FSC-certified plant fibers. Our agave-based products are not compostable.
• Agave-compostable: These products combine agave fibers with non-petroleum biopolymers. Our home compostable products never see a landfill and are designed to break down in a home composting system, whereas our industrial compostable products are meant to decompose in municipal and industrial-grade compost operations—not landfills. Both products contain plant fibers.

At Greenprint, all our manufacturing happens in-house, so our agave products maintain strict quality control and minimal environmental impact. We have agave-based straws, cutlery and cups available for foodservice industry owners. They’re sturdy, heat resistant, and hold their shape better than paper straws—making them a practical choice for restaurants.

Compostable Takeout Containers From Earth’s Natural Alternative

Reduce waste from excess takeout containers with compostable clamshell containers from Earth’s Natural Alternative—available in various shapes and sizes. These containers are made from 100% biodegradable bamboo fiber and sugarcane, or bagasse, fiber, providing a product that is plastic-free, dye-free, and gluten-free choice for your restaurant. 

They are cut-resistant and oil-resistant, making them perfect for hot and cold dishes. These containers take one to six months to fully decompose at municipal or industrial composting facilities. Compostable takeaway containers are a fantastic alternative to plastic packaging for food.

Round Plates From Eco-Products

Eco-Products produces round plates for dining establishments. The plates are BPI-certified, compostable, and compliant with ASTM D6868 standards, giving diners an eco-friendly option without compromising quality. With a maximum temperature tolerance of 250°F, they are perfect for serving hot dishes. Plus, they are gluten-free and allergen-free, making them suitable for all diners. 

Bamboo Cutlery From World Centric

World Centric® supplies bamboo cutlery, a perfect eco-friendly alternative for diners. This cutlery is durable and reusable and made from FSC® certified bamboo sourced from responsibly managed forests. It is 100% bio-based and free from added PFAS, providing a safe option for your customers, and can be discarded with yard trimmings. By incorporating this sustainable cutlery into your offerings, you actively reduce plastic waste and support a healthier planet. 

Compostable Stemless Wine Cups From Repurpose

Toast to a greener future with these cups from Repurpose. Made from corn and other plant-based materials, Repurpose stemless wine cups are lightweight, durable, and perfect for serving cold drinks. With no PFAS added and BPA-free, your guests can sip sustainably and safely. Certified compostable and bio-based, these cups are an elegant choice for any establishment looking to pave the path for a sustainable future. 

Take the Next Step Toward a Greener Future

Transitioning away from plastic can be a gradual and manageable journey, allowing you to make positive changes at your own pace. Even small changes can make a significant impact. Start by replacing your plastic straws with agave-based options or swapping out foam containers for plant fiber takeaway containers. As you explore sustainable alternatives, you’ll discover that going green still upholds quality and convenience. 

If you’re keen to start, Greenprint is here to help. We provide industry expertise and a passion for sustainability, allowing us to help restaurant owners through the transition—we’ll chat with you about our agave-based products, disposal regulations, sample requests, and any other queries you might have. Join the movement toward sustainability today! Contact us today to discover how easy it is to make substitutes for plastic.