Sustainability at Catermat: when logic meets love for the planet

Sustainability Isn't a Buzzword - It’s Our DNA

Today, "sustainability" can often feel like just another marketing trend. But at Catermat, it’s more than a campaign; it’s our daily reality. It’s a mindset where small, intentional steps create a massive collective impact.

Boxes That Return to the Earth

We genuinely dislike plastic, so we avoid it whenever possible. To us, packaging isn't just a detail, it’s part of the guest experience. That’s why our boxes are 100% compostable.

• The Build: Made in the EU from paper coated with a thin layer of cellulose to prevent leaking and sliding.
• The Seal: The top film is made from biodegradable wax, meaning zero plastic and zero microplastics.
• The End Life: You can toss the entire box into a compost bin, and it will break down within weeks.

We’ve studied the sustainability reports of many of our corporate clients for inspiration. It’s always a bit bittersweet when we see people from those very companies reaching for a PET bottle first but it only motivates us to lead by example.

Composters: Bacteria That Work Faster Than Deadlines

Leftover food doesn't belong in a dumpster. We use specialized composters powered by heat-seeking, acid-loving bacteria. This process, known as hot composting, operates at temperatures above 55°C, neutralizing pathogens and weed seeds. What would normally take months in nature, we finish in 24 hours. The result? Safe, clean, nutrient-rich compost ready for reuse.

Supporting Our Tiny Heroes: The Bees

Bees are the cornerstone of the food chain; without them, most of our fruits and vegetables would vanish. That’s why we support sustainable beekeeping and use exclusively local honey. When you enjoy catering from us, you’re helping fund a healthier ecosystem. This year, our bees produced 45 kg of honey, covering our entire annual consumption. You won't find a single drop of industrial honey in our kitchen.

Physics in the Kitchen: Using Freezers to Heat Water

It might sound surprising, but a freezer can actually provide heat. Through the law of conservation of energy, we capture the waste heat generated by our freezers and use a heat exchanger to warm our water. It’s a simple trick with huge results: less energy consumed, lower bills, and a smaller carbon footprint. According to the International Energy Agency, utilizing waste heat can cut energy consumption by up to 20%. Every degree counts.

Solar Energy & Sun-Kissed Herbs

The sun does more than just brighten our day. We harness its power via solar panels in Western Bohemia. Through energy sharing, we plan to power not only our operations but also our hydroponic herb system. It’s the perfect marriage of technology and nature: solar power provides the light and nutrients, resulting in fragrant, fresh herbs with a minimal carbon footprint. We are also currently testing an electric vehicle to further reduce our transport emissions.

Every Ingredient Deserves a Second Life

Our rule is simple: if it can be eaten, it will be. And if it can’t be served immediately, we find another way.

• Imperfection is flavor: Tomatoes that aren't "pretty" enough for a salad are sun-dried into intense flavor bombs.
• Natural color: Carrots or beets that lost the "beauty pageant" are used for natural food coloring and seasonings.
• Less is more: We prefer a smaller, smarter assortment used to its full potential over a massive menu where half ends up in the trash.

The FAO estimates that one-third of all food produced globally is wasted. We are here to prove there is a better way.

Wood With a Story: Signs and Counters from Offcuts

Our "zero waste" philosophy extends beyond the plate. We use wood scraps to craft our menu signs and have built our own service counters from salvaged timber. Instead of heading to a landfill, these materials get a second life and they look beautiful doing it.

Not Just Catering. An Ecosystem.

Sustainability isn't a label we wear; it’s the primary ingredient in our recipe. Every choice from packaging to energy use is made to be fair to nature, our customers, and future generations.

Partnering with us isn't just about ordering food. It’s an entry into an ecosystem that connects modern technology, a human touch, and high-quality service. It’s an experience that makes sense for today and for tomorrow.

Looking for catering that tastes as good for the planet as it does on the tongue? Reach out to us. We’d love to show you how a small step can make a giant impact.