Sustainable Catering in Bristol — How to Lower Your Event’s Carbon Footprint
Food is one of the most memorable parts of any event — but it also has one of the biggest environmental impacts. From supply chains and packaging to food waste, catering can quietly rack up a hefty carbon footprint.
Luckily, there are smarter ways to plan menus that taste amazing and minimise impact. At Double Puc Catering, we help Bristol businesses and event planners deliver food that aligns with sustainability goals without sacrificing flavour or presentation.
Here’s how you can make your next event more sustainable — and how we can help.
✅ Why Sustainable Catering Matters
The food industry accounts for up to one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. In the UK, catering events — especially large corporate ones — often generate:
High food waste
Excess packaging
Long-distance supply chain emissions
Meat-heavy menus with high carbon intensity
By making conscious choices, businesses and event organisers in Bristol can significantly lower their impact — while supporting local producers and creating a story guests feel good about.
✅ Five Practical Ways to Lower Your Event’s Carbon Footprint
1. Choose Seasonal and Local Ingredients
One of the easiest ways to cut food miles is to: ✅ Buy local ✅ Cook with what’s in season
Bristol is surrounded by some of the best producers in the UK — from Somerset vegetables to Gloucestershire meats and artisan bakers like Hobbs House and Pinkmans.
What this does:
Reduces transport emissions
Supports the local economy
Delivers fresher, better-tasting food
At Double Puc, our menus change seasonally to reflect what’s growing — from summer salads to winter root veg.
2. Prioritise Plant-Based and Low-Carbon Proteins
Meat and dairy, especially beef and lamb, are among the highest carbon contributors in catering.
✅ Introduce more vegetarian and vegan dishes
✅ Use proteins like chicken, eggs, or fish with a lighter environmental footprint
✅ Celebrate vegetables — roasted, grilled, or fresh
In Q1 2025, over 50% of Double Puc’s sandwich sales were vegetarian or vegan — a clear sign Bristol is ready for more plant-forward menus.
3. Design Menus That Minimise Food Waste
Food waste is a double hit — wasted food plus the wasted energy, water, and emissions that went into producing it.
Ways to avoid this:
Work with caterers like Double Puc to right-size your portions
Design menus that avoid common over-ordered items (hello, melon-heavy fruit platters!)
Reuseable or compostable serving ware wherever possible
Our RocketOS system helps us production plan — ensuring clients don’t over-cater and reducing waste.
4. Switch to Reusable or Compostable Packaging
Packaging is a major contributor to single-use waste at events. Reduce your impact by: ✅ Choosing compostable platters and cups
✅ Providing reusable crockery and cutlery when possible
✅ Avoiding unnecessary wrapping and plastics
We use recyclable or compostable packaging wherever we can — and can supply reusable solutions for larger events.
5. Work with Sustainable Caterers Who Track Their Impact
Ask your caterer:
Where does the food come from?
What’s the balance of meat/veg?
Can they provide carbon impact insights?
Do they have waste management processes?
At Double Puc, our sister business Zedible works with NHS Trusts and large institutions to calculate food carbon footprints — so we truly understand what “low carbon” looks like.
✅ Menu Ideas for Lower-Impact Catering in Bristol
🌱 Breakfast
Frittata with seasonal veg (no pastry, no waste)
Greek yogurt pots with compote
Freshly brewed filter coffee (avoiding pods)
🥗 Lunch
Mixed salad bowls with grains and legumes
Seasonal slaws with light dressings
Veg-forward sandwich platters on sourdough
Local cheese boards and dips
🍛 Hot Food Stations
Slow-roasted seasonal veg
Chicken or fish main courses
Baked falafel or bean-based dishes
🍓 Desserts
Seasonal fruit tarts
Gluten-free cakes (reducing wheat demand)
Local strawberries or apple-based desserts when in season
✅ Beyond the Food — Extra Steps to Stay Sustainable
Encourage public transport or cycling to your event
Avoid single-use décor
Donate surplus food where possible (we can help advise)
Measure your impact — make sustainability part of your event story
✅ Why Choose Double Puc for Sustainable Catering in Bristol
We believe great food should be good for people and the planet. That’s why we: ✅ Plan menus that minimise waste
✅ Work with local suppliers
✅ Design seasonal, plant-forward dishes
✅ Use RocketOS to track ingredients, waste, and allergens
✅ Offer compostable or reusable packaging options
✅ Help clients measure carbon impact when needed
Whether you’re hosting a conference, strategy day, or summer party — we’re here to deliver flavour and impact without the footprint.
👉 See our catering options: doublepuc.com/catering