AusLeisure

Taronga Conservation Society Australia and event caterers EPICURE have launched an innovative partnership at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, which will see the popular attraction take another significant step towards a more sustainable, plastic-free future.

A focus on environmental sustainability initiatives is the key component of the new catering contract at Taronga Zoo, in which EPICURE will provide catering and hospitality throughout the Zoo and the Taronga Centre.

Each year, more than 1.5 million people visit Taronga Zoo, part of the State Government. The most visible change Taronga Zoo guests will notice is the introduction of plastic-free, recyclable packaging for food served at Taronga Zoo, and biodegradable tableware.

Libby Hodgson, Director of Marketing, Fundraising and Commercial at Taronga Conservation Society Australia, explains “environmental sustainability is central to everything we do at Taronga, and it has long been our goal to reduce reliance on single-use plastic packaging for food served at Taronga. and accelerate our progress to carbon neutrality by 2025, in addition to offering high-quality catering for our guests. I believe this will set a new benchmark in environmental practice and innovation for the Australian hospitality and tourism industries.

“We are excited to announce that from day one, Taronga will cease reliance on single-use plastics for meals prepared and served in our cafes and food court, including sauce sachets. Additionally, the use of sustainable palm oil for cooking will be a significant contribution to preserving habitats for wildlife at risk of extinction. In time, guests will see the installation of machines that reduce food waste going to landfill.”

The partnership is committed to delivering on a number of sustainability goals. Significantly, Taronga and EPICURE will establish a dedicated sustainability fund to provide financial support for Taronga’s environmental sustainability initiatives, which will include upfront investment as well as ongoing investment each year.

EPICURE is a Spotless company that provides ethical, premium catering and event services at locations throughout Australia and New Zealand The catering partnership with EPICURE, which also extends to functions, weddings and corporate events held at Taronga Zoo venues will also champion ethical procurement of produce from local suppliers.

Spotless General Manager for Leisure, Sports & Entertainment Ian Delmenico, added “Taronga (Zoo) is an Australian leader in wildlife conservation, education and advocacy and we look forward to contributing to this cause.

“EPICURE understands the importance of sustainability to Taronga and its guests and we are confident our skills and expertise will ensure the catering service at this wonderful location on Sydney Harbour exceeds all expectations.

“EPICURE provides both in-ground and function offerings at iconic facilities throughout Australia. We are ready and committed to replicating this success at Taronga Zoo and the Taronga Centre.”

Click here for more information.

Image: Sydney's Taronga Zoo from the air.

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We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

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