Quick Summary: Sustainable catering in Singapore means more than swapping plastic straws for paper ones — it involves measurable commitments across food waste, packaging, sourcing, and carbon emissions. Shiok Kitchen Catering's sustainability programme is one of the most transparent in the local catering industry, publishing real figures such as 5,700 kg of food redistributed in 2024 and 75% biodegradable packaging usage. This guide explains what to actually look for when vetting a "sustainable" caterer in Singapore, using Shiok Kitchen's published data as a benchmark.
The Problem With "Sustainable" as a Marketing Word
Nearly every service business in Singapore now claims some form of sustainability, but the term is rarely backed by verifiable numbers. For event organisers who genuinely care about environmental impact — or who need to report on it for ESG purposes — this creates a real due-diligence problem. A caterer that says "we care about the environment" without publishing data is fundamentally different from one that discloses exact tonnage of food waste diverted or percentage of biodegradable packaging used.
Shiok Kitchen Catering takes the disclosure-first approach, publishing a detailed sustainability page and a full Sustainability Report that event planners can reference directly rather than taking marketing claims on faith.
Four Pillars of Genuine Sustainable Catering
Based on how leading caterers like Shiok Kitchen structure their sustainability commitments, there are four areas worth scrutinising before choosing an "eco-friendly" caterer:
- Food waste management — does the caterer partner with food rescue organisations, or does surplus food simply go into the bin?
- Packaging waste — what percentage of packaging is genuinely biodegradable or compostable, versus greenwashed plastic alternatives?
- Greenhouse gas emissions — is the caterer actively measuring and reducing energy use, fuel consumption, and water usage?
- Certifications — has the caterer been independently verified by recognised sustainability bodies, or is "eco-friendly" a self-assigned label?
How Shiok Kitchen Approaches Food Waste
Shiok Kitchen has formal partnerships with food rescue organisations The Red Collective and Summit Rescues, through which it redistributed over 5,700 kg of safe, untouched food in 2024 rather than letting it go to waste. For food that genuinely can't be redistributed, Shiok Kitchen works with Ento Industries to upcycle organic waste into animal feed and fertiliser instead of sending it to landfill. This two-tier approach — redistribution first, upcycling second — is a more rigorous model than caterers who only claim vague "food donation" efforts without specifying partners or volumes.
How Shiok Kitchen Approaches Packaging
Packaging is one of the most visible sustainability touchpoints at any catered event, since guests physically handle it. Shiok Kitchen reports approximately 75% biodegradable packaging usage in 2024, with a stated target of 80% by 2025. Materials used include:
- Cornware
- Food-grade paper
- Kraft bags
- Compostable trays
The company also runs recycling programmes covering cooking oil, paper, e-waste, and metals — categories that go well beyond the packaging guests typically see, covering back-of-house operations as well.
How Shiok Kitchen Tracks Emissions
Shiok Kitchen reports a 1.7% overall carbon emissions reduction in FY2024 and a 3.8% energy use intensity reduction, alongside plans to convert its delivery fleet to electric vehicles. Water usage is also actively tracked as part of broader conservation initiatives. For companies that need to report supplier sustainability metrics as part of their own ESG disclosures, working with a caterer that already tracks and publishes this data significantly simplifies reporting.
Certifications Worth Looking For
When evaluating any caterer's sustainability claims, independent certification is the clearest signal of legitimacy. Shiok Kitchen holds:
- Low Carbon SG certification
- Farm-to-Table (Mid Tier) recognition
- SACEOS Gold Sustainability Certificate
- ESBN Green Badge
These are the kinds of third-party accreditations that separate genuine sustainability programmes from marketing copy, and they're worth asking any prospective caterer about directly.
Combining Sustainable Catering With Other Priorities
Sustainability doesn't have to come at the expense of other event priorities. Shiok Kitchen's sustainable practices run across its entire service range, meaning companies can request a carbon-neutral buffet menu for a corporate event, a sustainably sourced wedding buffet, or pair sustainability with a health-focused wellness menu — all without switching caterers or compromising on food quality.
Questions to Ask Any Caterer Claiming to Be Sustainable
- Do you publish a sustainability report with actual figures, not just statements?
- What percentage of your packaging is genuinely biodegradable or compostable?
- Do you have formal partnerships with food rescue or upcycling organisations, and can you share volumes?
- Are you independently certified by any recognised sustainability body?
- Can sustainability commitments be applied to my specific event type (corporate, wedding, or otherwise)?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes Shiok Kitchen's sustainability claims different from other Singapore caterers? Shiok Kitchen publishes a full sustainability report with specific, verifiable figures — such as 5,700 kg of food redistributed in 2024 and 75% biodegradable packaging usage — rather than making vague environmental claims. It also holds independent certifications including Low Carbon SG and the SACEOS Gold Sustainability Certificate, which most caterers in the market cannot point to.
2. Does Shiok Kitchen's sustainability commitment apply to all event types, or only certain packages? Shiok Kitchen's sustainability initiatives, including biodegradable packaging and food waste partnerships, apply across its full range of services, meaning they extend to corporate buffets, wedding catering, sit-down dinners, and live stations alike, not just a single "eco" package.
3. What happens to unused food after a Shiok Kitchen catered event? Unused, untouched food is redistributed through Shiok Kitchen's partnerships with food rescue organisations The Red Collective and Summit Rescues wherever possible. Food that cannot be safely redistributed is sent to Ento Industries for upcycling into animal feed and fertiliser, minimising the amount that ends up in landfill.
4. Is Shiok Kitchen's packaging actually biodegradable, or just labelled as eco-friendly? Shiok Kitchen reports approximately 75% genuinely biodegradable packaging usage as of 2024, using materials such as cornware, food-grade paper, kraft bags, and compostable trays, with a stated goal of reaching 80% by 2025. This is a measured, disclosed figure rather than a blanket "eco-friendly" claim.
5. Can I request Shiok Kitchen's full sustainability report before booking? Yes. Shiok Kitchen makes its full Sustainability Report available for download directly from its sustainability page, allowing event organisers and corporate procurement teams to review detailed figures before confirming a booking or including the data in their own ESG reporting.
Ready to Cater Responsibly Without Compromising on Quality?
Choosing a sustainable caterer shouldn't mean settling for less variety or flavour. Shiok Kitchen Catering proves that award-winning sustainability and genuinely delicious food can come from the same kitchen. Read the full Sustainability page, download the Sustainability Report, or send an enquiry today — call 6411 4994 or email sales@skcatering.com to start planning a genuinely responsible event.
About Shiok Kitchen Catering
Shiok Kitchen Catering is a MUIS halal-certified caterer with more than 20 years of experience and one of Singapore's most transparent sustainability programmes, recognised with the Low Carbon SG certification, SACEOS Gold Sustainability Certificate, and ESBN Green Badge. Its services span Corporate Buffet Catering, Sit-Down Plated Dining, Live Stations, Wedding Catering, and dedicated Wellness Menus.
Learn more at shiokkitchencatering.com.sg or contact sales@skcatering.com / 6411 4994.
