Deliveroo pumps HK$500k to promote sustainable packaging with Rooniverse

Deliveroo Hong Kong has introduced Rooniverse, a partner services platform that provides discounted sustainable restaurant supplies to its merchant partners, with an aim of encouraging the adoption of sustainable packaging.

Coinciding with upcoming green policies that call for more environmentally conscious practices in Hong Kong, Deliveroo is investing HK$500,000 this year to support restaurants and maintain momentum in going green by keeping sustainable packaging costs down on Rooniverse. The platform also aims to provide holistic support to merchants throughout all aspects of their operations as valued partners.

Due to the higher cost of producing sustainable packaging, independent and small F&B operators face difficulties and barriers in procuring more eco-friendly supplies. Therefore, Deliveroo’s investment in Rooniverse this year thusly focuses on granting restaurants access to more affordable deals for a greener future. Until the end of the year, partners can enjoy a 30% discount upon any purchase of sustainable packaging on the platform.

As part of the initiative, Deliveroo has sourced a wide variety of environmentally-friendly takeaway packaging and kitchen supplies offered on Rooniverse, aiming to inject sustainability into every step of partners’ operations. 

Different shapes and sizes of takeaway packaging and cutlery options are available to suit a range of takeaway options, while kitchen utensils and cooking tools are also on offer to help restaurants welcome more comprehensive culinary processes.

Extending beyond sustainable packaging, Rooniverse’s expanded product catalogue caters to a wide array of restaurant needs such as chilled food, vegetables, beverages, point of sale (POS) systems, cleaning, annual fire services and ventilating system inspection services.

Rooniverse, being an all-in-one self-support platform, sets up merchant partners by success by offering restaurant necessities all to be delivered within 48 hours. Keeping with Deliveroo’s ethos of providing quality delivery services, a live order support hotline is available on Rooniverse to facilitate the timely delivery of orders in pursuit of smooth restaurant operations.

Deliveroo also works with exclusive suppliers to ensure that partners are offering products, ingredients, and services to their customers at bargain prices. Rooniverse is included in the "List of Suppliers" under Green Tableware Platform by the Environmental Protection Department, facilitating the industry and the public to source tableware alternatives.

As part of Deliveroo’s commitment to accelerate sustainability among its partners, members of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades (HKFORT) are eligible for an exclusive offer. Deliveroo is providing 400 restaurants with HK$200 in Rooniverse credits each and 400 complimentary sustainable packaging sample kits.

In a conversation with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, a spokesperson from Deliveroo said it has utilised eDM to announce and promote the launch of Rooniverse to its merchants and leveraged the connections of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades (HKFORT) (香港餐飲聯業協會) to extend its reach.

"Our two-fold marketing strategy focuses on promoting sustainability in our partners’ operations through Rooniverse, incentivised by a 30% discount on sustainable packaging products that is valid until the end of the year." the spokesperson added.

Additionally, Deliveroo has leveraged industry associations such as HKFORT to promote its platform with exclusive member offers, enabling it to reach a wider audience and foster sustainable practices among our partners.

Nick Price, general manager, Deliveroo Hong Kong, said: “In working with our merchant partners, we are always listening to how their needs and challenges are evolving as we endeavour to find the right solutions together. With the launch of the Rooniverse platform, we have heard the growing demand for more environmentally-friendly packaging amongst our partners and users. Deliveroo is dedicated to driving industry-wide change by supporting the green transition to ensure our partners are well-prepared by the time new mandates and policies come into effect.”

Lorraine Kwan, director, Shanghai Lane, which is a supporting partner of the initiative, said: “In recent years, there has been a call to make the move towards environmentally-friendly takeaway containers and eating utensils from our customers. While we are totally supportive, we have struggled with this transition due to challenges in identifying affordable options in the market.”

“However, the introduction of Rooniverse has opened up new avenues for incorporating sustainability into our operations. We are now able to purchase sustainable packaging in bulk and at a discounted price, signaling an encouraging start to our move towards greener practices. I am eager to see how the support offered through Rooniverse will continue to grow and help us improve our business,” Kwan added.

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