Call to Oban takeaways to take part in reusable trialOT

Are you an Oban business that offers takeaway food? The GRAB Trust is looking for you to participate in an exciting trial this summer.

In partnership with a scientific researcher, thanks to British Science Association and UK Research and Innovation, the trial aims to support 10 Oban food businesses to ditch single-use packaging.

‘Trials elsewhere have shown businesses can save over £2,200 by switching to reusables,’ the GRAB Trust says. The trial will start in May with two months of business as usual, then during July-September trade using reusable containers.

Initial reusable containers will be provided, data recorded, and surveys will investigate the realities of going fully reusable in Oban. Any Oban business that provides food in takeaway containers is eligible to apply.

Beginning in June 2022, new restrictions are coming into place on the sale or commercial supply of single-use plastics, e.g. plates, straws, cutlery, polystyrene food and drink containers. Circular economy minister Lorna Slater said: ‘We are turning promise into action and banning some of the most problematic single-use plastic items in Scotland. Every year, hundreds of millions of pieces of single-use plastic are wasted in this country.

‘They litter our coasts, pollute our oceans and contribute to the climate emergency. That has to end and this ban will be another step forward in the fight against plastic waste and throwaway culture.’

Kerry Mackay from The GRAB Trust added: ‘If a coffee shop sells 190 takeaway coffees a day in tourist season, that’s 17,100 cups prevented from littering the planet in just our three months’ trial.’

The organisation concluded: ‘Stay ahead of the single-use plastic ban, whilst being supported by The GRAB Trust and a scientific researcher, throughout the transition.’