At the Union we make every effort to use packaging and suppliers which meet our ethical and environmental high standards.

Packaging

The salad containers and lids we use in New Leaf are made from RPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate). It is the most common plastic that is being recycled back into primary applications. Recycled plastics reduce the amount of fossil fuel resources, have a lower carbon footprint than virgin plastics, divert material from landfill and can themselves be recycled.

The drinks cups, lids and straws in New Leaf are made from PLA- Polylactic acid. It is derived from cornstarch resin and that of other natural starches, which are wholly renewable and therefore a completely sustainable resource for packaging. PLA is light, durable and is safe and non-toxic. Cornstarch packaging in 100% compostable and like a vegetable will reduce down to carbon dioxide and water.

The boxes we serve our jacket potatoes in across the Union catering outlets, and takeaway boxes in the Interval are made from sugarcane. Sugarcane is a natural by-product of the sugar industry in South East Asia that would conventionally be discarded or burnt, in order to dispose of it. They are sustainable, biodegradable and compostable.

The disposable cutlery we use in New Leaf is made from a plant starch material called PSM (Plastarch Material). This is a flexible packaging material which has not been refined into bioplastic. Usually made from corn or potatoes it comes from renewable crops, has a low carbon footprint and is compostable.

Suppliers

Where possible the Union catering outlets use local suppliers for fresh produce.

Our milk comes daily from a dairy farm in the Peak District.

Our fresh meat comes from Crawshaws a local Sheffield butcher who where possible source their meat locally.

Our fresh bread comes from Roses which is a long established Sheffield business.

Our fresh fruit and vegetables are supplied by Webbs which is a long established Sheffield business.

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