Uber Eats Australia has announced a transformative partnership with environmental organization Planet Ark, committing up to AUS$13 million over three years to revolutionize the packaging practices of restaurants. The collaboration aims to guide restaurants towards reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging options by 2030, addressing the growing demand for sustainability in the food delivery industry.

To provide clarity and a strategic approach, Uber Eats introduces a “Sustainable Packaging Framework” developed by the University of Technology Sydney’s Institute for Sustainable Futures. The framework aligns with Australian and global guidelines, emphasizing material selection and post-consumer collection as vital steps to reduce packaging waste. Reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging made from renewable resources is identified as “crucial” for achieving Uber Eats’ sustainability goals.

Planet Ark’s CEO, Rebecca Gilling, acknowledges the increasing expectations to reduce environmental impact, stating, “There is a clear need to support small businesses, including restaurants, on how to reduce packaging waste best.” The partnership aims to bridge this gap by offering educational programs and subsidies, making sustainable packaging more accessible and affordable for restaurants.

Uber Eats plans to invest in educational programs to guide proper packaging disposal methods, contributing to a circular economy. The company will also provide incentives for businesses transitioning to eco-friendly alternatives, building on the success of a pilot initiative in 2023.

Bec Nyst, Uber Eats General Manager for Australia and New Zealand, highlights the positive impact of technology on reducing plastic waste, with an estimated equivalent weight reduction of four jumbo jets worth of plastic forks since making cutlery opt-in. The collaboration with Planet Ark aims to identify additional system changes to accelerate the adoption of sustainable packaging and reward restaurants investing in eco-friendly alternatives.

The partnership aligns with regulatory changes announced by the Australian federal government to standardize packaging requirements, further supporting businesses in their sustainability efforts. Uber Eats and Planet Ark’s initiative is rooted in the Restaurant Pulsecheck Report, revealing that sustainability is a key consideration for seven in ten restaurant industry respondents.

Suresh Manickam, CEO of the Restaurant & Catering Association (R&CA), expresses support for the collaboration, emphasizing the positive impact on reducing the waste footprint of thousands of restaurants. The industry’s commitment to sustainability is reinforced by this partnership, contributing positively to the community and the environment.