Sustainability in Transit: What Travel Buyers Really Want from Food & Drink Brands
posted 17th September 2025
Travel operators such as airlines, rail and ferries are under growing pressure to cut environmental impact. For food and beverage brands, that means sustainability is now a deciding factor in whether buyers say yes or no.
Here is what matters most in 2025 and how you can show buyers you are the right partner.
1. Packaging That Works and Performs Sustainably
Buyers want packaging that reduces waste without creating operational headaches.
The top criteria are:
- End-of-life: recyclable or compostable where it will actually be disposed.
- Lightweight and compact: saves space and fuel.
- Protective: keeps food safe in variable travel conditions.
New trends in 2025:
- Plant-based packaging such as seaweed, bamboo or mushroom fibre.
- Minimalist designs using fewer layers and less plastic.
- Smart labels such as QR codes showing recyclability, sourcing and carbon footprint.
Supplier Spotlight: Mallard Point
Mallard Point are the first drinks producer to use a reusable aluminium bottle for both wine and spirits. Their unique aluminium bottle is designed to be returned, cleaned and reused rather than discarded after a single use like traditional glass. The switch to aluminium makes the bottle lightweight and durable, safer and easier to transport, and faster to chill. Once chilled, it also holds its temperature longer than glass. For travel operators, this innovation delivers multiple benefits: less weight to carry, lower emissions, greater safety in handling, and reduced single-use waste.
👉 Tip: Show buyers you understand their constraints. If your packaging is compostable, explain how it can be disposed of at airports or on trains.
2. Certifications Buyers Trust
Not every eco label carries weight. The ones buyers look for most include:
- Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance for ethical sourcing of coffee, cocoa and tea.
- Organic especially in premium or wellness products.
- B Corp which signals company wide responsibility, not just product level.
- ISO 14001 for environmental management systems.
- FSC or PEFC for paper and pulp packaging.
- OK Compost or EN 13432 as proof of compostability.
3. Ingredient and Supply Chain Transparency
Beyond packaging, buyers now expect:
- Clear sourcing stories such as single origin, local or regenerative agriculture.
- Carbon or water footprint data, even if it is estimated.
- Waste reduction efforts in your own operations.
👉 Tip: Be transparent about progress, not just perfection. Buyers prefer a roadmap over vague eco-friendly claims.
4. How to Showcase Your Credentials with TickEat
TickEat helps travel buyers discover suppliers via our events and services. Sustainability is one of their first filters.
Here is how to stand out:
- Add certifications and sustainable packaging details to your TickEat Catalogue listing
- Share visuals of your packaging including weight, stackability and disposal instructions when pitching to buyers at our events
- Your travel deck should highlight your sourcing story in clear, concise terms.
- When speaking with buyers at our events, address operational realities such as how your packaging performs onboard and how waste is handled.
5. Avoid Greenwashing
The fastest way to lose buyer trust is overclaiming.
Common pitfalls are:
- Vague claims like eco-friendly without proof.
- Labels that are not recognized or relevant.
- Packaging that is technically recyclable but not in practice.
👉 Tip: If in doubt, back your claims with data, certifications or case studies.
6. Take Action Now
If you want to win with travel operators in 2025:
- Audit your packaging and sourcing.
- Choose relevant certifications.
- Join the TickEat Catalogue and update your profile with clear sustainability details.
- Share your story with visuals and data.
- Be ready to show buyers how your solutions perform in real transit conditions.
Sustainability in transit is not just about reducing waste. It is about showing buyers you can balance eco credentials with operational realities. Brands that get this right will secure long-term partnerships and stand out in a competitive market.
At TickEat, we make sure your sustainability story is seen by the right buyers via our services and events.
