Sustainable event catering is about more than plant-based menus and biodegradable cutlery—it’s about the entire supply chain. From sourcing locally and cutting food miles to reducing packaging waste and using tech for traceability, the real impact comes from what happens behind the scenes. Done right, sustainable event catering supports regional producers, lowers emissions, and creates genuinely eco-conscious celebrations.
In the last few years, sustainable event catering has taken centre stage. Everyone from wedding planners to corporate organisers is asking for greener, cleaner menus. Buzzwords like “seasonal,” “organic,” and “plant-based” now dominate the brief. And caterers have responded—mostly.
But while the menus may look eco-conscious on the surface, there’s a deeper issue lurking behind the scenes. Despite the push for sustainability, many in the events industry are still falling short when it comes to the sustainable catering supply chain. If we’re serious about reducing the environmental impact of events, it’s time we talk about the missing links.
The sustainability illusion: What you see isn’t always what you get
A menu might read like a climate-conscious dream—locally sourced veggies, free-range meats, and no single-use plastics in sight. But how do we know where those ingredients really came from? Were they grown sustainably? Were they transported in an emissions-heavy lorry from 200 miles away?
Sustainable event catering isn’t just about what’s served on the plate. It’s about the journey every item took to get there. And that’s where things get messy.
Without clear supply chain transparency, even the greenest-sounding menus may hide a hefty environmental cost.
The cracks in the sustainable catering supply chain
Here’s where things typically go wrong:
1. Undefined ethical standards
There’s no universal standard for what counts as “sustainable” in catering. One supplier might say their eggs are free-range, while another defines “local” as anything within 300 miles. This lack of clarity makes it hard for planners to verify if their ethical food sourcing events are genuinely ethical—or just clever marketing.
2. Global dependencies
Even so-called local menus often rely on imported items. Lemons from Spain. Herbs from Morocco. Fish caught off the coast of Norway. While they may be necessary in small doses, these ingredients add layers of carbon emissions that most sustainable event catering reports conveniently ignore.
3. Hidden packaging waste
Sure, the serving ware might be biodegradable—but what about the packaging used in transit? Many local suppliers still wrap produce in single-use plastics, polystyrene, or clingfilm. These materials rarely get counted in sustainability reports, but they contribute to the problem.
Local supplier partnerships: The key that’s often overlooked
To make real progress, caterers need to foster strong local supplier partnerships. That means building long-term relationships with nearby farmers, growers, and artisan producers—people who can supply quality ingredients without racking up unnecessary food miles.
Benefits of going local include:
- Lower transport emissions
- Fresher produce
- Better support for regional economies
- Easier vetting for sustainability standards
But here’s the catch: it takes effort. Many caterers fall back on large-scale distributors because they’re quicker, cheaper, and more predictable. That’s where the sustainable menu logistics fall apart—especially when scaling up for large events.
Sustainable menu logistics: More than just buying local
Even with local ingredients, logistics can be a challenge. Large events require volume, consistency, and timing precision. And local producers might not always be equipped to deliver.
To solve this, some caterers are working with distribution cooperatives—where multiple local suppliers pool resources to offer larger-scale delivery solutions. This is a smart move. It strengthens the sustainable catering supply chain without compromising quality or ethics.
Still, many suppliers and caterers haven’t caught up. The logistical gap remains a huge stumbling block in making sustainable event catering truly seamless.
The role of technology in supply chain transparency
One major opportunity for improvement? Digital tracking. Forward-thinking catering companies are starting to use technology to bring clarity to their supply chains.
Through barcoding, GPS logistics, and blockchain-style traceability tools, suppliers can now show exactly where produce was grown, how it was transported, and when it arrived. This kind of supply chain transparency is essential for corporate clients aiming to hit sustainability targets.
But again, adoption is low. Many caterers still rely on outdated ordering systems, paper invoices, and verbal assurances. Until tech is more widely embraced, transparency will continue to be a grey area.
What about event planners? Where do they fit in?
Planners play a crucial role in demanding better. It’s no longer enough to ask for a “sustainable menu”—you’ve got to dig deeper. Ask your caterers:
- Where are the ingredients sourced from?
- How far did they travel?
- What packaging do they arrive in?
- Do you have preferred local suppliers?
- How are leftovers handled?
These questions might seem a bit pushy, but they send a clear message: sustainability isn’t just about image—it’s about action.
At easyEventhire, we often work with planners who want to ensure that every part of their event aligns with their values. From event hire to catering logistics, we help guide these conversations so that clients make informed decisions.
How event hire connects to catering sustainability
You might be wondering what event hire has to do with food. Quite a bit, actually. When sustainable event catering meets smart hire practices, the results are even stronger.
For example:
- Reusable serviceware (plates, glasses, utensils) eliminates single-use waste.
- Efficient event hire delivery routes reduce emissions, especially when tied to local catering hubs.
- Temperature-controlled hire equipment (like fridges or hot cupboards) helps preserve food during service, cutting waste.
It’s all part of the same ecosystem. And when each piece of the puzzle works together, sustainability becomes more than just a buzzword.
A way forward: Smarter, closer, clearer
If we want sustainable event catering to live up to its potential, we need to focus on three core principles:
1. Smarter sourcing
Choose seasonal, local ingredients from verified ethical producers. Skip the imported extras unless absolutely necessary.
2. Closer partnerships
Build strong relationships with local farms, bakers, and cooperatives. Consistency improves when trust is high.
3. Clearer reporting
Use tech to track every step of the supply chain. Clients deserve to know where their food came from—and what impact it had.
Final thoughts: Closing the gaps for good
Sustainability isn’t just about pretty menus or eco claims on websites. It’s about the real work behind the scenes—the growers, the drivers, the packaging, the fuel. That’s where the real environmental cost lies. And that’s where we need to focus.
At easyEventhire, we believe in working with suppliers, planners, and venues who care about getting the details right. From event hire logistics to catering coordination, we’re here to support events that truly walk the walk.
If you’re planning an event and want every part of it—from food to forks—to reflect your values, let’s talk. Together, we can help ensure that sustainable event catering isn’t just a promise—it’s a practice.
