End-of-year events are a time for celebrating, not for mountains of leftovers and landfill. More and more Brisbane businesses are looking for ways to celebrate sustainably; and catering plays a huge part in that.
At Wine & Dine’m, we don’t consider sustainability as just a buzzword – it’s a value we practice during every event. From in-office Christmas morning teas to large-scale corporate conferences. Here’s how we design EOY celebrations that are festive, flavourful and future-friendly.
Why Sustainability Matters for End-of-Year Events
In 2025, sustainability has shifted from “nice-to-have” to “non-negotiable.”
Clients search for event partners that consider impact and expect sustainability to be a core brand value. For catering, this doesn’t just come down to what ends up on your plate – it is a conscious effort, considered in styling, packaging, energy-use and overall waste.
As one of Brisbane’s leading caterers, we’ve invested in systems, partnerships and practices that make this part of every event we deliver.
Plan Smarter, Waste Less
- Menu planning → Shared dining reduces packaging and portion waste compared to individually boxed meals.
- Portion guidance → We use event data to recommend smarter quantities, minimising excess.
- Dietary inclusivity → Confirming dietaries early means less last-minute “just-in-case” meals that often go untouched.
👉 The result? Happier guests, better value and less food going to landfill.
Our Sustainable Catering in Action
When CSIRO hosted their AgCatalyst 2024 event at Brisbane Powerhouse, we partnered with sustainability specialists Closed Loop to track impact from start to finish.
The results speak for themselves:
- 88% of event waste was diverted from landfill.
- 7 separate waste streams were captured, including organics, cups, cardboard and soft plastics.
- Compostable serviceware broke down in 6–12 weeks compared to centuries for traditional plastics.
- Over 98% of ingredients were locally sourced, supporting Queensland farmers while reducing transport miles.
- Energy-efficient cooking methods reduced power use by 30% per event.
- Suitable surplus food was donated to OzHarvest or diverted into composting programs.
This is what sustainability looks like in practice: real numbers, real impact.
Eco-Friendly Packaging & Serviceware
- Express Catering: compostable or recyclable packaging, designed for easy serving and quick disposal.
- Event catering: reusable platters, glassware, and linens are our default; disposables only when needed.
- Onsite partnerships: we work with venues like Brisbane Powerhouse that already have recycling and composting systems in place.
Quick Wins for Event Planners
Any event can make a difference, not just those with 1,200 guests. The smallest of changes add-up to a positive step towards a circular economy. Here are our top tips for clients to simplify their waste management plans for end-of-year functions:
- Choose seasonal menus → Fresher flavour, lower footprint.
- Lock in numbers early → Avoid over-catering and wasted meals.
- Ask your caterer about waste streams → Don’t assume; confirm what gets recycled or composted.
- Rethink gifting → Hampers or team thank-yous with edible, reusable, or locally made items go further.
The Future of Sustainable Events in Brisbane
We’re already seeing growing demand for:
- Carbon-conscious logistics → Smarter delivery routes, low-emission vehicles.
- Sustainability reporting → Clients want measurable proof of impact (like the CSIRO report).
- Local-first catering → Seasonal, regional produce is becoming the expectation, not the exception. (And with amazing resources available across South-East Queensland, there’s no reason to not go local)
Let’s make your end-of-year event delicious and sustainable.
Whether it’s a corporate Christmas party, morning tea in the office, or a large-scale gala, our team can design menus and operations that align with your company’s values.
Talk to us today about how we can help your 2025 celebration leave the right kind of legacy.
