Food service giant Aramark reducing single-use plastics

Single-use disposable plastics are taking another high-profile hit as Aramark Corp. is looking to "significantly reduce" their use.

The food service, uniform and facilities management company serves about 2 billion meals each year in 19 countries. But now Aramark, citing a recent customer survey, said 60 percent of the respondents "are concerned about the overuse of plastic."

The survey also showed that consumers are primarily worried about single-use plastics entering oceans and impacting marine life, the company said.

"Aramark shares our guests' passion to protect and preserve our oceans," CEO Eric Foss said. "By working hand-in-hand with our customers and consumers, we can make significant progress in limiting the consumption of single-use plastics."

Single-use plastics have become an increasingly larger target during the past year as companies and consumers reconsider their choices.

But there also is a growing pushback that the products themselves are not the problem. Instead, some contend it's a waste management and personal behavior issue that allows these materials to enter the environment.

Philadelphia-based Aramark joins a growing list of high-profile companies that are addressing the issue, including McDonald's and Starbucks restaurants.

Aramark said its "holistic strategy" is addressing all single-use plastics, and will start with straws and stirrers.

Changes are coming as early as September, and the company expects to be using 60 percent fewer straws by 2020. That's 100 million fewer straws in the United States alone, the company said.

The company then will expand efforts to reduce use other single use products, including bags and cutlery.

While Aramark is cutting back across the board, the company said there still will be a need for plastic straws by people who have special needs as well as hospitals.

"The company will continue to make smaller quantities available upon request, and will also offer eco-friendly alternatives, in select locations," Aramark said in a statement. Locations where Aramark serves meals include schools, workplaces, prisons, sports venues, leisure spots and hospitals.

Environmental group Greenpeace is leveraging Aramark's move to start applying pressure to other food service companies to follow suit.

"Straw bans should be only one element of a comprehensive plan to phase out throwaway plastics, and Aramark has made it clear that it intends to go much further," Greenpeace Plastics Campaigner Kate Melges said in a statement.

"Importantly, the company has recognized that progress on plastics should not come at the expense of the disabled community, ensuring that straws remain available for those who need them. This commitment sends a clear message to other large food service companies," Melges said.

Greenpeace specifically called out Compass Group plc, Sodexo Group, Sysco Corp. and US Foods Inc.