Why Hotels and Restaurants Should Ditch Polystyrene Fish Boxes and Choose CoolSeal Seafood Packaging Instead

When it comes to sourcing fresh seafood, hotels and restaurants rely heavily on the quality, freshness, and presentation of their deliveries. But what about the packaging it comes in? While polystyrene boxes have been the norm for decades, their environmental footprint and disposal challenges are becoming impossible to ignore. That’s why forward-thinking businesses in hospitality are now asking their seafood suppliers to switch to CoolSeal seafood packaging—a smarter, cleaner, and greener alternative.

The Problem with Polystyrene Seafood Boxes

Polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam, EPS, Flamingo, Tempex, etc. (depending on which country you're in) has long been the default for fish packaging due to its insulation properties and lightweight structure. However, it’s now one of the most problematic materials in the waste stream.

1. Difficult Disposal and High Waste Costs

• Polystyrene is not biodegradable, and most waste management services do not recycle it.
• It breaks into tiny particles, making it a nightmare to clean and dispose of, especially in busy kitchens.
• Hotels and restaurants pay higher waste disposal fees due to the volume and non-recyclable nature of polystyrene packaging.
• Polystyrene fish boxes take up valuable back-of-house storage space, adding clutter and creating hygiene concerns.

2. Negative Environmental Impact

• Polystyrene pollution is rampant in oceans and landfills, directly impacting marine ecosystems.
• The material is made from petroleum-based chemicals and emits pollutants during its production and degradation.
• In an industry that relies on the sea, using a packaging material that harms the ocean is a contradiction no longer acceptable to eco-conscious guests and operators.

The CoolSeal Alternative: A Sustainable Shift in Seafood Packaging

Enter CoolSeal Seafood Packaging, an advanced solution that addresses every major shortfall of polystyrene fish boxes. Here's why your restaurant or hotel should be asking suppliers to make the switch:

1. Fully Recyclable and Eco-Friendly

• CoolSeal is made from polypropylene, a plastic that is 100% recyclable and widely accepted in recycling streams across the UK and Europe.
• Unlike polystyrene, CoolSeal doesn’t fragment or leach chemicals, making it a sustainable seafood packaging solution.
• It reduces your establishment's environmental footprint and supports green business certifications like BREEAM and ISO 14001.

2. Cleaner and More Hygienic

• CoolSeal boxes are waterproof, leak-resistant, and easy to wipe clean.
• Unlike polystyrene, which can absorb liquids and harbor bacteria, CoolSeal’s sealed construction prevents contamination and ensures superior food safety.

3. Space-Saving and Stackable

• CoolSeal seafood boxes are designed for efficient stacking and storage, freeing up valuable space in busy kitchens and cold storage areas.
• They're also lightweight but durable, meaning fewer damaged boxes and spoiled product.

4. Cost-Effective in the Long Run

• While polystyrene may appear cheaper upfront, CoolSeal’s reusability, lower disposal costs, and improved logistics result in long-term savings.
• Many waste contractors charge extra for polystyrene disposal, but CoolSeal can go into mixed plastics recycling, simplifying waste management.

5. Improved Brand Image

• Diners care about sustainability. Choosing to work only with suppliers who use environmentally friendly seafood packaging demonstrates that your hotel or restaurant is taking responsibility for its impact.
• Partnering with suppliers who use CoolSeal packaging can help you market your eco-friendly credentials to both customers and corporate clients.

Make the Change: Request CoolSeal from Your Seafood Supplier

It’s time to take a stand against polystyrene in the foodservice industry. Hotels and restaurants have a unique opportunity to influence their supply chain and promote more sustainable practices. By requesting that your fish and seafood deliveries arrive in CoolSeal packaging, you're making a proactive choice for:

• Cleaner operations
• Reduced waste management headaches
• A greener brand image
• And, most importantly, a healthier planet

Conclusion

The hospitality industry thrives on presentation, quality, and sustainability. As guests become more environmentally aware, every decision your business makes counts—including how your seafood is packaged. CoolSeal seafood packaging offers a superior alternative to outdated polystyrene boxes, combining performance, hygiene, recyclability, and environmental responsibility.

Make the switch. Start by asking your seafood supplier one simple question:
“Can you deliver in CoolSeal instead of polystyrene?”

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