Bengaluru eateries to offer paper napkins only on demand
solid waste crisis in Bengaluru, the city's hotel industry has taken a significant step towards sustainability. The Bruhat Bengaluru Hotels Association (BBHA), comprising approximately 40,000 member-establishments, has called upon its affiliates, including hotels, darshinis, caterers, and flight catering services, to minimize the use of paper napkins and offer them to customers only upon request.
Currently, an astonishing 10 tonnes of paper napkins are consumed daily by BBHA's member establishments, a figure that underscores the urgency of the issue.
The association's decision to shift from the conventional practice of providing paper napkins on every table to an on-demand system is primarily motivated by the wasteful use of these napkins by the public.
Moreover, this initiative aligns with broader efforts within the hospitality sector to curtail waste production and counteract the impacts of rising input costs and declining foot traffic. In a recent formal meeting, BBHA sought to sensitise its members about the necessity of reducing excessive use of paper napkins, as well as curbing electricity and water consumption.
PC Rao, president of BBHA, acknowledged the need for such measures, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rao stated, «Already, we are generating a significant amount of food waste. In addition to this, we are ending up generating tonnes of paper waste, which largely comprises paper napkins.
If you look at our customers' paper napkin consumption, it's erratic and very difficult to comprehend. Due to free availability, they tend to grab them and use them recklessly, resulting in a huge mound of garbage.»
Another restaurant owner, who manages a chain of restaurants, added, «Paper napkins are used
