Twice as sustainable

How the TafelBox makes appreciation visible

Photo provided

17. November 2025 |

Alexandra Gorsche

17. November 2025

Alexandra Gorsche

“The TafelBox is a visible sign of responsibility in action. It connects hosts, guests, and those in need in a holistic system.”
Alexandra Gruber, Managing Director, Die Tafel Österreich

Takeaway without a guilty conscience – and with social added value: since its relaunch in 2024, the TafelBox has become one of the most effective tools against food waste in Austria. The simple principle: guests take leftover food home with them – and at the same time donate to a good cause. For every box sold, 20 cents go directly to Die Tafel Österreich to provide people affected by poverty with rescued food.

Taking action with impact

Within a year, 15,000 boxes have already been used—in restaurants, hotels, catering services, and events. This corresponds not only to 7,500 kg of food saved and 22,500 kg of CO2 emissions avoided, but also to €3,000 in donations, which have enabled 15,000 additional meals for people in need. An example of the circular economy in action – both ecologically and socially.

From the perspective of partner companies such as the KASTNER Group and Pacovis, it is also clear that the TafelBox is more than just packaging – it is a symbol of respectful use of resources, social fairness, and real impact in the catering industry.

The TafelBox at a glance

15,000 boxes used since June 2024
7,500 kg of food saved
22,500 kg of CO2 equivalents saved
€3,000 in donations = 15,000 meals
Used by Erste Bank, Viennale, Schönbrunn Palace, SK Rapid Vienna, and others
Can be ordered at tafelbox.at, including free information materials

“The TafelBox is a best-practice example of how ecological, social, and economic sustainability can go hand in hand.”
Albin Lintner, Pacovis

Impulses for the industry

Understanding packaging as a tool for social transformation
Actively involving guests: communicating appreciation instead of waste
Thinking of takeaway boxes as part of an overall sustainable concept – visible, effective, scalable

From Genusspunkt Sept-Oct 2025

A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît!

Beeswax cloth meets bread culture

Zero waste for professionals and guests

The Austrian brand Kumanu shows how circular thinking can be applied in everyday life—and makes doing without plastic both practical and aesthetic. With its “Frischefritz” beeswax wraps and ‘Krümelkarl’ and “Pausenpaul” bread and snack bags, it provides the industry with a well-thought-out solution for keeping food fresh for longer – without any plastic or aluminum foil.

The products are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, organic beeswax from Austria and Germany, and tree resin from traditional pitch production – a combination that has an antibacterial effect and guarantees natural durability.

future trends

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