12 little wins that can help restaurants be more sustainable

At Billy Tannery we love good food. We love our leather products. And we love sustainability. Everything we do has sustainability at its core. The leather we use is a by-product of other industries - namely food. And as a result, we work closely with the hospitality industry, collaborating with some of the country’s top chefs to help their restaurants be more sustainable.

We're passionate about fighting waste, and reconnecting leather with the food chain. And whilst we don't pretend to be experts, we've found some effective ways to improve our practices and be more green.  

Here we share some simple ways restaurants can be more sustainable.

Why improving sustainability is important for restaurants

Sustainability is everyone's responsibility. Any business can benefit from introducing environment-focused practices; it’s not just about saving the planet. Recent cost of living increases are keeping money at the front of many people's minds, but investing in sustainability can pay off for the planet and your pocket – reducing waste can really save you money. 

Over the years, we’ve been proud to work with many of the UK’s top chefs and restaurants. We were really inspired when we worked on a project for SILO - the UK's first zero waste restaurant who don't even have a bin! Everything they use is reused or composted. Chef Douglas McMaster looked to us for hard-wearing aprons that didn't need machine washing (to save water and power) and we got a glimpse behind the scenes of this ambitious and innovative venture. 

 

It got us thinking about sustainability at every link of the chain, and how we play a part in that. As our leathers are fully traceable and sourced from the food industry, it gives us genuine pleasure to create products for the food industry! Our Billy Tannery's restaurant products, such as menu covers, leather chef’s aprons, bill presenters and coasters, can be found in restaurants who share our passion for quality, sustainable goods.

How can restaurants be more sustainable?

1. Have a seasonal menu

A seasonal menu allows you to focus on the ingredients that are most available at any given time of year, helping to support local producers. Rotating your menu through the seasons is perhaps one of the most obvious options to improve sustainability, and one of the most delicious. Look at your menu and see where you can use local seasonal produce that is not only better for the planet but is perfectly ripe, fresher and rich in nutrition.

2. Limit food waste

Reducing food waste is a huge part of every restaurant or food industry establishment. Composting not only reduces food waste, but when used correctly and safely, can even improve soil quality. 

It’s surprising how much of an ingredient you can actually use - particularly that of vegetables and fruits. From peel, to stalks, to seeds, there are plenty of ways to get creative and reduce waste.

3. Recycle or reuse

Some packaging is hard to avoid, so look for suppliers that use compostable, biodegradable or recyclable packaging. 

For the things you can't reuse or recycle, consider donations. If there is quality food or other unused product going to waste, perhaps investigate if there’s a foodbank charity or shelter nearby that you can connect with. 

4. Reduce water usage

Restaurants use a lot of water, from dishwashing to food prep. Simple changes—like installing low-flow taps, only running dishwashers when full, or collecting rainwater for non-food use—can help conserve water without affecting daily operations. It’s also worth training staff on mindful water use during prep and cleaning.

5. Invest in better appliances

Old, inefficient appliances can guzzle more energy than you think. Investing in newer, energy-efficient models for everything from fridges to ovens can seriously cut your carbon footprint—and your bills. Look for appliances with good energy ratings and smart features that help you track and reduce consumption.

6. Grow your own produce

If you have a bit of space out back, or spare windowsill, it’s worth investigating if there's scope for you to grow some fresh ingredients on or nearby the restaurant. This might be anything from a small herb garden to a full patch of vegetables and fruits. 

A major advantage here is cost, but you can also control the amount of chemicals and pesticides involved in the production of your ingredients. You can even use your own compost created from your kitchen’s food waste; a full circle solution to improving sustainability.

7. Prioritise plant-based dishes

Incorporating more plant-based dishes on your menu is a simple yet effective way to reduce your environmental impact. Meat and dairy production use more land, water and energy than plant-based alternatives, so even a small shift can make a difference.

That doesn’t mean going fully vegan—just adding a few standout plant-based options that don’t feel like an afterthought can help cater to a growing number of conscious diners. 

8. Create a sustainable drinks list

It’s not just your food menu that counts. Look at where your wine, spirits and soft drinks are coming from. Could you swap to organic wines or stock local craft producers? Consider drinks with sustainable credentials, and think about how you serve them too—reusable straws, recyclable garnishes and minimal packaging all help keep things planet-friendly.

9. Support independent businesses and local producers

Working with local farmers means fresher produce (as it gets to you quicker) and less travel which reduces the pollution on the roads and in the skies. 

It also enables you to form strong links with the local community. By shopping locally and supporting independent businesses, you’re hopefully finding people who are as passionate about what they do as you are. 

Great quality ingredients will always shine. We believe in that, from the food we eat to the products we make. More consumers are making conscious decisions about what they buy, and knowing more about where their products come from. So it’ll impress your customers too.

10. Consider every element

Water, waste, electricity, takeaway packaging – all these things contribute to making a restaurant more sustainable. Even your decor; your table, seating and carefully-sourced soft furnishings can all reflect the ethos of the restaurant. 

So don’t forget the little touches. High quality and hard-wearing extras, such as our aprons, menu covers and bill presenters will work as hard as you do, and are sure to be appreciated by staff and customers alike. 

11. Go paperless where you can

Switching to digital systems can help cut down on paper use in both front and back of house. Think digital receipts, QR code menus, and paperless inventory or ordering systems. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also keeps things more streamlined and efficient. It’s a small change that adds up over time.

12. Use eco-friendly cleaning products

Many traditional cleaning products are harsh on the environment and come in single-use plastic packaging. Swapping to eco-friendly alternatives—think biodegradable, non-toxic formulas in refillable bottles—can make a big difference. They’re safer for your team, gentler on the planet, and just as effective.

Small changes add up. Sustainability isn't always easy but don't be put off. Small steps can take you on a path you can be really proud to walk. 

And we’re here to help! Billy Tannery offers bespoke services for corporate and private customers. From custom leather aprons to branded tortilla warmers, menu covers and more... Contact us to see how we can customise our existing range of leather goods or create an entirely bespoke product just for you.