This year, Sweetgreen is introducing new compostable to-go bowls without "forever chemicals," or PFAS, that are commonly used in non-stick pans, flame retardants and food packages. The FDA started to phase out some of the worst PFAS in 2011 yet there are still some types that remain in food containers. Although many of the takeaway food packages used by healthy fast-casual chains appear sustainable, questionable chemicals are often a part of these bowls and Sweetgreen is out to change this.
With the help of Footprint, Sweetgreen is will be rolling out new bowls that are not only cleaner but helpful for reducing single-use plastic packaging. As the bowls are compostable and free of PFAS, the chemicals won't end up in soil, water and produce that's grown with the compost.
Image Credit: Sweetgreen
What's Driving This Trend
- Compostable To-go Bowls
- New compostable to-go bowls without "forever chemicals" are being introduced, disrupting the food packaging industry.
- Phasing Out PFAS
- The movement to phase out PFAS chemicals in food containers creates opportunities for companies to develop safer packaging alternatives.
- Reducing Single-use Plastic Packaging
- The introduction of compostable bowls helps reduce the use of single-use plastic packaging, opening doors for innovation in sustainable food service solutions.
Who This Affects Most
- Food Packaging Industry
- The use of compostable to-go bowls disrupts the traditional food packaging industry, pushing for safer and more eco-friendly alternatives.
- Chemical Industry
- The phasing out of PFAS chemicals in food containers creates opportunities for the chemical industry to develop and market safer alternatives.
- Sustainable Food Service Industry
- The adoption of compostable bowls paves the way for innovation in the sustainable food service industry, promoting environmentally-friendly practices.
