Sustainability, Reduce & Recycling
Sustainable Catering for TV & Film Productions
At Big Occasions, we believe in delivering high-quality catering while minimising our environmental impact. Our sustainability catering initiatives focus on reducing food waste, using eco-friendly packaging, supporting Fairtrade farmers, and sourcing local produce.
As a catering provider for TV and movie productions, we take responsibility for our environmental footprint. By working closely with production teams, we implement sustainable food practices that not only reduce waste but also contribute to a greener, more ethical food industry.
Reducing Food Waste in Hospitality
Food waste is a major challenge in the hospitality and catering sector, but we actively combat this issue through:
- Staff Training: Our chefs and catering teams are trained to minimise waste by creatively reusing surplus ingredients.
- Accurate Forecasting: We work closely with TV & film production teams to estimate daily catering numbers, ensuring precise meal preparation.
- Food Recycling Partnerships: We collaborate with waste management companies to facilitate proper food waste recycling.
Tackling Food Waste with Olio – Sharing Surplus with Those in Need
We are proud to be Northern Ireland’s first catering company to partner with Olio, a food-sharing charity that redistributes surplus meals to local families in need.
Impact of Our Partnership:
- Prevents good food from going to landfill
- Supports individuals and families facing food insecurity
- Strengthens community ties by promoting responsible food redistribution
Through this initiative, we ensure that leftover meals serve a greater purpose, reducing waste while helping those in need.
Eco-Friendly & Recyclable Packaging
To eliminate single-use plastic, all our takeaway containers, coffee cups, and lids are:
- 100% plant-based & fully compostable
- Paper bags, wooden cutlery, straws, and stirrers are fully recyclable
- Waste segregation on set – We collaborate with TV & film productions to properly separate and recycle waste at unit bases and service areas
These steps align with eco-conscious catering practices that reduce environmental impact while ensuring convenience for busy productions.
Supporting Fairtrade & Sustainable Farming
Our commitment to ethical sourcing ensures that key ingredients are Fairtrade-certified, supporting global farmers.
Fairtrade Ingredients We Use:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Bananas
- Sugar
- Avocados
By choosing Fairtrade-certified products, we contribute to fair wages, better working conditions, and environmentally friendly farming methods.
Planting Trees for a Greener Future
In 2022, we committed to a delegated area in the Eco Nature Reserve in Ballymena to plant, nurture and manage 100 trees.
Our Tree Planting Initiative:
- Reduces our carbon footprint
- Helps restore natural habitats
- Supports biodiversity in our local area
We work closely with Friends of the Eco Centre and the local council to nurture the environment for future generations. In 2023 and 2024, we collaborated with a local Scouts group, helping them earn their Forester Activity Badge through hands-on conservation efforts.
Less Waste with Our Refill Incentive
Many TV & film productions now introduce water stations to cut down on single-use plastic waste.
Our Refill Commitment:
- We encourage cast and crew to use refillable water bottles
- We only provide tetra-pak water cartons when specifically requested, further reducing plastic waste
By taking small but effective steps, we support industry-wide sustainability efforts.
Sourcing Local & Cooking with the Seasons
Buying local means fresher ingredients, fewer food miles, and stronger relationships with suppliers.
Benefits of Sourcing Locally:
- Reduces carbon footprint – Less transportation means lower emissions
- Protects soil health – Seasonal farming promotes sustainable agriculture
- Boosts local economy – We support small-scale farmers and producers
We plan our seasonal menus based on the best produce available, ensuring that our dishes are both flavourful and environmentally responsible.
Our Ongoing Sustainability Goals
As a catering provider, we remain committed to improving our eco-friendly practices through:
- Continuous research into sustainable packaging and food waste solutions
- Expanding our tree-planting programme beyond Ballymena
- Collaborating with productions to create greener on-set catering solutions
By making sustainability catering a core part of our business, we aim to lead the way in ethical, responsible, and planet-friendly catering.
Partner with Us for Sustainable Location Catering
If you’re looking for sustainability catering that aligns with your production’s eco-conscious values, Big Occasions is the perfect partner.
Contact us today to discuss your catering needs and receive a tailored sustainability plan!