Nutritional and environmental focus in school meals

A growing emphasis on the nutritional quality, environmental impact, and origin of food in school meals has led to significant changes in how children are fed. However, the use of single-use containers remains a topic of debate, with calls to move away from disposable items as the default solution.

School meals as a reflection of societal values

The discussion around containers is framed as a societal issue, reflecting broader choices about consumption and sustainability. School catering is seen as a key area where food policies are implemented concretely, influencing what is considered desirable for children and the consumption models being promoted.

Legislative steps to reduce plastic use

Legislative changes have already begun to address this issue. Since January 1, 2025, certain plastic containers used for cooking, reheating, and serving are banned in school catering, with additional deadlines for smaller communities. However, the focus is not solely on legislation but on triggering a broader change in approach.

Repositioning single-use containers as exceptions

The argument is not against single-use items per se, but rather about repositioning them as exceptions rather than the norm. Reuse has already been demonstrated as a viable alternative in some communities and central kitchens, with existing systems for recovery, washing, and redistribution of containers.

Supporting the shift to reusable systems

The challenge now is to make this shift accessible to more communities by supporting catering teams and relying on a sector capable of handling the complexity of reuse. The burden of proof has shifted from proving the feasibility of reuse to justifying the continued use of disposable items when alternatives exist.

Mirroring the shift in food waste perspectives

This shift mirrors the change in perspective on food waste, where what was once considered normal is now viewed as a problem to be addressed. Similarly, the use of single-use containers after a single use is increasingly seen as an outdated norm that should be reconsidered.