Foodservice Packaging Institute Releases Study on Compostable Packaging and Food Scrap Capture

The Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) and partners have released the CompostAble Chicago study report, which examines several existing programs, the materials they recover, and the operating conditions that contribute to successful programs. The study’s findings suggest venues that adopt compostable foodservice packaging, under favorable operating conditions, should be expected to collect more food scraps in front-of-house (FOH) compost streams. In addition, contamination levels were also seen to trend lower with stronger adoption of compostable items. In addition to researching the relationship of compostable foodservice packaging and food scrap recovery, the study also developed methodologies for venue-to-operator evaluation and continued, expanded research. The study, along with a Methodology Guide and Waste Sort Data Entry Template, are available for free download on FPI’s website.