Facility Supplies

In the ever-evolving world of food service, some trends and technologies come and go while others prove their staying power. Whether you’re in charge of facilities for a large enterprise or you manage food service operations for a school or corporate cafeteria, you need to be in tune with the tides of the industry as they ebb and flow. This will sharpen your competitive edge and enable you to keep pace with changes in customer behavior.

At Mac Papers and Packaging, we provide facility supplies and food service solutions for a diverse mix of businesses, and as a result, have witnessed many of these trends firsthand. Here are a few of the challenges we’ve helped our clients navigate recently that we believe will continue to make an impact in the months and years to come.

Sustainable Options Sustain Their Popularity

Businesses have been “going green” for years, and the food service and facility management sectors are no exception. From paper-based packaging to plant-powered plastics, eco-friendly options are here to stay. Our customers seek sustainable options for several different reasons—some want to reduce food-related waste while others are committed to hitting their environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) targets.

Regardless of the reason, these products are undeniably better for the environment than materials such as traditional plastic and styrofoam. The downside for businesses? Some, but not all, sustainable alternatives might not be as cost-effective as their conventional counterparts. If you’re curious about exploring these options, your facility supplies partner can help you find eco-conscious products that won’t break the bank.

To-Go Options Aren’t Going Anywhere

In the immediate aftermath of the pandemic, off-premises orders, including takeout, delivery, and drive-thru, skyrocketed. According to the National Restaurant Association, these orders made up 60% of all restaurant traffic in the U.S. in 2020 alone.

At Mac Papers and Packaging, we’ve also seen a rise in demand for to-go packaging. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has passed its peak, we expect to-go options to remain a staple of the food service industry far into the future.

Inventory Management Becomes More Important than Ever

Most manufacturers are back to business as usual after major disruptions plagued global supply chains in recent years, but some are still struggling to obtain the resources and raw materials they need to produce food service supplies. That means businesses need to plan ahead and do everything they can to fortify their inventory management strategies to account for potential shortages.

Beyond staying stocked, proper inventory management can help you monitor usage patterns and identify opportunities to reduce overhead costs. By keeping a close eye on inventory, you’ll be better able to make informed decisions about what and when to reorder supplies, how much to order, and which products disappear from your stock room shelves faster than others.

Overall, the future of food service looks bright. With the help of a trusted facility supplies partner, you can confidently embrace the possibilities of new technologies, sustainable products and practices, and innovative strategies to improve your operations and better serve your customers. For more about how Mac Papers and Packaging can help, don’t hesitate to reach out.