We've always been told that reusing things is better for the planet, right? Especially when it comes to eating out—reusable forks, plates, and cups should be more sustainable than the disposable ones.
But guess what? A big European study just flipped that idea upside down. And we think it's something every one of us should know.
A big green surprise
This surprising research came from a well-known consulting company in the Netherlands called Ramboll. They did a full environmental study comparing disposable paper packaging (like cups, trays, and wrappers) to the kind of reusable plates and utensils fast food places are starting to use. Turns out, those reusable items may not be as eco-friendly as they seem—especially in fast food settings.
Why paper is winning
Ramboll used what's called a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which checks every step of a product's environmental impact—from how it's made, to how it's used, and finally how it's disposed of. They didn't just use guesswork—they worked with real data from the food, paper, and packaging industries. Their findings? Paper packaging used in fast food restaurants produced far less damage to the environment over a full year compared to reusable options.
The hidden cost of reusables
Reusable plates and cups need to be washed and dried after every use, and that process takes a lot of water and energy. Even with the best, most efficient dishwashing systems, the environmental cost stacks up quickly. According to the report, using reusable dishes increased:
• CO2 emissions by 177%
• Freshwater use by 267%
• Airborne fine particles by 132%
• Fossil fuel use by 238%
• Land acidification by 72%
That's a big deal, especially in countries where water shortages are already becoming a real problem.
It's not just about climate
EPPA (the European Paper Packaging Alliance), who shared this study, says that this isn't just a win for paper—it's also a wake-up call for how we think about "green" habits. Their chairman, Antonio D'Amato, said it clearly: reusable dishes may sound like the better option, but the daily water and energy needed to keep them clean and safe actually hurts the environment more.
Backed by solid science
This wasn't a small or biased study either. The research was independently verified by TÜV in Germany—a big name when it comes to checking data quality. They confirmed that the study used strong, up-to-date data instead of old numbers from random databases. That's how we know this study isn't just theory—it reflects what's really happening in restaurants today.
Paper packaging isn't wasteful
Let's clear up another myth: just because paper packaging is used once doesn't mean it's wasteful. In Europe, all paper items used by EPPA members come from responsibly managed forests. Plus, paper and cardboard are the most recycled types of packaging in the entire EU—about 86% gets recycled!
Looking ahead
The European Union is working on some major green policies aimed at becoming fully carbon neutral by 2050. Part of their plan is to use Life Cycle Assessments like this one to decide which products and packaging methods actually help the environment. So studies like this could shape future laws on how restaurants serve food.
So, what does this mean for us?
We all want to do the right thing. But doing good for the planet isn't always as simple as choosing something reusable. Sometimes, the full picture shows that single-use paper—when made and recycled properly—can be the smarter and cleaner choice.
Let's rethink what "green" means
Lykkers, maybe it's time we rethink our habits, not just follow the trends. What seems eco-friendly at first glance might not hold up under the microscope. So next time you're grabbing lunch at a fast food spot and you see a paper tray—don't feel guilty. You might actually be making the better choice for our planet.
What do you think, Lykkers? Would you have guessed paper is better than reusable?
