Sustainable Office Catering in London: Vendors, Packaging & Low-Waste Menus

TL;DR

• Sustainability matters: employees expect eco-friendly practices from office vendors.
• Key factors: zero-emission deliveries, recyclable/compostable packaging, plant-forward menus.
• Questions to ask vendors: consolidation, packaging, waste %, carbon reporting.
• Reporting is key: share waste metrics, showcase recycling, highlight low-impact delivery.

Related reading: Employee Meal Programs in London (2025 Guide)

Key Definitions

Zero-emission delivery – Distribution via e-bikes, electric vans, or consolidated routes to reduce carbon.
Plant-forward menus – Meals designed to prioritise vegetarian and vegan options without excluding meat.
Waste % policy – The vendor’s commitment to keeping food waste in the low single digits.
Compostable packaging – Containers that break down naturally and can replace single-use plastics.

Beyond Greenwashing

Sustainability isn’t just a PR move, it’s a workplace expectation. Employees want their meals to reflect the same values as their companies. In London, questions about eco credentials are now part of every catering conversation.

What Sustainable Catering Means

Zero-emission deliveries

E-bikes, electric vans, and consolidated drops drastically cut emissions.

Responsible packaging

Compostable, recyclable, or reusable packaging should be the default.

Low-waste menu design

Plant-forward, portion-optimised, and allergen-labelled menus reduce both waste and admin.

Vendor Criteria: Questions to Ask

• Do you consolidate deliveries to reduce emissions?
• Are your packaging materials fully recyclable or compostable?
• What’s your waste percentage policy?
• Can you provide carbon or sustainability reporting?
  

Menu Design for Low Waste

• Portion flexibility
  Offer half-portion or small-plate options to avoid leftovers.

• Menu rotation
  Keep things interesting with seasonal rotations while reducing overproduction.

• Dietary inclusivity
  Cater for vegan, gluten-free, halal, and allergen-friendly needs to avoid exclusion (and waste).

Reporting and Communications

Share metrics

Make waste % and attendance visible—employees want transparency.

Visible recycling

Bins at pickup points increase correct disposal and reinforce the sustainability message.

Celebrate eco-delivery

Highlight consolidated or zero-emission delivery in internal comms (Slack, newsletters).

Measuring Success

• Waste %: Aim for low single digits.
• Carbon footprint: Monitor vendor reporting.
• Engagement: Track satisfaction through quick feedback pulses.
• Attendance lift: Sustainability messaging can make hybrid anchor days more attractive.

Next step: Partner with Feedr Cloud Canteen for sustainable office meals.