Koreana, a restaurant known for its traditional Korean cuisine in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, was already using many reusable foodware options for dine-in customers. Through their partnership with ReThink Disposable, Koreana identified further opportunities to reduce their reliance on single-use disposable items. These changes have not only been popular among customers but have also yielded substantial economic benefits, saving an estimated $3,109 annually and preventing 90,669 pieces of single-use disposable foodware from entering landfills, equivalent to 758 pounds per year.
The transition to stainless steel chopsticks, although initially challenging for some customers, has been met with enthusiasm as diners mastered the skill, and the use of ceramic bowls for dishes like cup-bap has enhanced the meal’s popularity. In fact, the ceramic bowls have garnered such praise that customers have inquired about purchasing them for their own homes, highlighting Koreana’s role in promoting sustainability while satisfying local appetites.
Packaging practices prior to ReThink Disposable:
- Single-use plastic lined paper bowls
- Single-use wooden chopsticks
- Single-use plastic lined paper coffee cups
Recommendations Implemented:
- Ceramic bowls
- Stainless steel chopsticks
- Ceramic mugs
37 S 19th St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
United States
The Bottom Line
Small changes in foodware dramatically changed the presentation of Koreana’s most popular meals. Customers are learning to use stainless steel chopsticks and after a 3.8 month pay-back period cost benefits are being seen with no payroll increases.
$3,109
90,669
758 lbs
Reducing Single-Use Food Packaging
ReThink Disposable works with local governments, businesses and institutions, and consumers of single use food packaging to inspire a cultural shift away from single-use "throwaway" lifestyle.