The survey of over 1,000 UK businesses decision makers, which was conducted by the YouGov analysis institute, found that three in five (60%) hospitality businesses in the UK believe that they participate in the circular economy.

Over four in five (85%) agree that waste management is important to being a sustainable organisation. Half (50%) use reductions in food waste as a metric of measuring their sustainability. 

The UK’s restaurants generate an estimated one million tonnes of food waste each year at a time when nearly 14 million people are struggling to eat. According to Guardians of Grub, 75% of the food wasted in the hospitality and food service sector could have been eaten.

The industry cites a broad range of barriers preventing it from being more sustainable, including costs (35%), lack of time (23%) and infrastructure (22%).

Over a third (34%) of hospitality decision-makers believe financial incentives would support them in meeting their sustainability goals, along with incentivised partnerships (22%), less regulation (20%) and support with data and reporting (20%). 

Mark Chapman, head of corporate accounts – dining at Biffa, commented: “Biffa's survey results show that UK hospitality businesses of all sizes want to participate in the circular economy. Many have started their sustainability journey but see cost as a significant barrier.

“Biffa is a sustainable waste management company that works with customers to reduce waste, providing support up the supply chain to reduce packaging and surplus which not only protects the environment but can also save money.”