LINE MAN has introduced the “No Condiments” green choice feature for food delivery service, following the success of its “No Plastic Cutleries” feature. This new feature has already reduced over 20 million condiment packets in two months. The company aims to reduce 4,200 tons of plastic and food waste annually from food delivery service and expand the number of eco-friendly restaurants on its platform to 100,000 by the end of 2024. Mr. Yod Chinsupakul, CEO of LINE MAN Wongnai, highlights the critical importance of tackling environmental challenges. According to the Pollution Control Department, Thailand produces around 2.76 million tons of single-use plastic waste each year. In response, LINE MAN Wongnai is prioritizing ESG principles in its business operations. Through technology and a widely accessible platform, we aim to sustainably address environmental concerns for both users and merchants. After implementing the “No Plastic Cutleries” feature last year, we have recently developed another feature called “No Condiments” on the LINE MAN app. This aligns with the Thai food culture, many enjoy seasoning their food with fish sauce, sugar, chili sauce, and other condiments. Now, users who prefer unseasoned meals can inform restaurants directly. Since its launch, over 20 million condiment packets have been saved. Noodle dishes see the highest number of users opting out of condiments. It is expected to reduce plastic waste from food delivery, including plastic cutleries and condiment packets, and food waste within the condiment packets by over 350 tons per month or 4,200 tons annually. Moreover, LINE MAN Wongnai is teaming up with Doozy Online, Dezpax, gracz, and aro to introduce a biodegradable Green Packaging program. Over the past three months, more than 1,300 restaurants nationwide have joined this effort. These restaurants will display the badge of “Eco-Friendly Restaurants” on the LINE MAN app, showing their dedication to environmental sustainability. Additionally, collaborating with WWF Thailand’s Plastic ACTion (PACT), Plastic Smart Cities – TVA program to raise awareness about reducing plastic use in restaurants across four areas in southern Thailand: Songkhla, Hat Yai, Surat Thani, and Koh Samui. By the end of 2024, LINE MAN Wongnai aims to increase the number of eco-friendly restaurants on its platform to 100,000. Ms. Preeyaporn Suwanaged, Director General of the Pollution Control Department (PCD), emphasized the importance of managing waste throughout the product life cycle, encouraging eco-design and the use of environmentally friendly materials from the start. PCD is encouraging everyone, including food suppliers and consumers, to change their behavior by using packaging only as necessary, and reducing unfriendly usage of items like plastic bags, straws, cutlery, foam containers, and condiment packets. This can minimize disposal needs and promote plastic reuse, making waste management simpler. Therefore, Food delivery platforms introducing features to decline plastic cutlery and condiments are crucial. They help change consumer habits and support restaurants in using more eco-friendly packaging. This positive change can influence manufacturers to develop better-quality and more affordable eco-friendly packaging. Ms. Soracha Puangpat, owner of Pad Thai Roi Ha Kung Ten, one of the participating restaurants, shared that an increasing number of customers are prioritizing environmental concerns. Approximately 30% of LINE MAN orders choose not to receive condiments and cutleries. The restaurant has been using eco-friendly packaging such as paper and banana leaves instead of plastic for over six years, ensuring no harmful residues for consumers and easy biodegradability, thus protecting the environment. This practice also adds unique value to the restaurant. For press inquiries, please contact LINE MAN Wongnai’s Corporate Communication team: [email protected]
