Sustainable Events Start With the Right Supplies
Whether you are running a corporate lunch for 50 people or a wedding for 300, the packaging and serviceware you choose has a significant environmental footprint. In Australia, events generate an enormous volume of single-use waste — and venues, clients, and councils are increasingly asking caterers to account for it.
The good news is that choosing sustainable catering supplies does not mean compromising on presentation, practicality, or budget. Here is how to approach it.
What to Look for in Sustainable Catering Supplies
Certified Compostable, Not Just Biodegradable
For event catering, certified compostable products are the gold standard. Look for Australian certifications:
- AS 4736 — industrially compostable (requires commercial composting facility)
- AS 5810 — home compostable (breaks down in ambient conditions)
Do not rely solely on biodegradable labelling. In Australia, the term is unregulated and can apply to materials that take decades to break down in real-world conditions.
Material Matters
The most common sustainable materials for event catering supplies in Australia:
- Sugarcane bagasse — strong, microwave-safe, handles hot and cold foods, fully compostable
- Bamboo fibre — premium look, rigid, excellent for platter presentation
- Kraft paper — lightweight, recyclable, great for wraps, boxes, and bags
- PLA bioplastic — corn-starch derived, clear professional finish, certified compostable
- CPLA — a crystallised form of PLA, heat-resistant, used for cutlery and hot cup lids
Essential Sustainable Catering Supplies Checklist
Plates and Platters
For main course and entree service, sugarcane plates offer the best balance of strength, presentation, and sustainability. Our sugarcane plates range covers 6-inch, 9-inch, and 10-inch round plates as well as rectangular and square options suited to buffet and plated service.
For premium events, bamboo fibre plates offer a more upscale feel at a slightly higher price point.
Bowls and Containers
For salads, rice, pasta dishes, and desserts, the right bowl matters. Our compostable bowls range includes sugarcane bowls in multiple sizes from 8oz through to 32oz, with matching lids available for pre-packaged items or buffet setups.
Cups and Beverages
Hot beverages need double-walled or single-walled cups with compostable lids. Cold beverages work well in PLA clear cups. Our cups range covers everything from espresso shots through to large cold drinks, with a full selection of compatible lids.
Cutlery
Single-use plastic cutlery is banned in most Australian states. Replace it with wood, bamboo, or CPLA alternatives. Our compostable cutlery range includes individual forks, spoons, knives, and wrapped sets — suitable for individually portioned meals or self-serve catering stations.
Napkins and Serviettes
100% recycled paper napkins are a straightforward swap. Avoid virgin paper napkins where possible. Single-ply napkins reduce paper use; if strength is needed for messy menus, look for two-ply recycled options.
Planning for End-of-Life at Your Event
Choosing compostable supplies is only half the equation. At the event, you need a clear plan for what happens to the waste.
- Set up clearly labelled bins — compost, recycling, and general waste. Colour coding helps.
- Partner with a commercial composting provider — many metropolitan areas in Australia now have event-specific organic waste collection. Check with your venue or local council.
- Brief your staff — contamination of compost bins with non-compostable items defeats the purpose. Make sure your team knows what goes where.
- Communicate to guests — a small sign at each bin explaining the setup goes a long way.
Cost Considerations
Sustainable catering supplies cost more than conventional plastic per unit. Here is how to manage this:
- Buy in bulk — the unit price difference narrows significantly at volume. ZenPacks offers wholesale pricing on all product ranges.
- Factor it into your catering quote as a line item — most clients, especially corporates and high-end private events, will pay a small premium for credible sustainability.
- Right-size your order — do not over-order. Calculate covers carefully and order 10-15% above estimate rather than doubling up.
Getting Started
Start with the core four: plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery. Once you have settled on your preferred product lines, you can order in bulk, reduce reordering frequency, and build sustainable catering into your standard operating procedure.
Browse our full event catering range including sugarcane plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery. Wholesale accounts and recurring order discounts are available for caterers — reach out to discuss your volumes.