We’re Going Green: Upcoming Changes to Food and Beverage Containers

To support our commitment to sustainability and our mission to improve the health of the communities we serve, we are moving away from foam cups and food containers and moving to paper and other approved alternatives across our organization.  

This also ensures compliance with Virginia’s ban on expanded polystyrene (EPS) food service containers, which are commonly called Styrofoam. 

What’s Changing 

We will replace foam cups and containers with non-foam alternatives as our current inventory is used up. We will streamline our options to standard sizes, to improve efficiency and be better stewards of our patients’ money. 

This change applies to all of our facilities—including cafes, inpatient dining, the Culinary Center, clinics/offices, and breakrooms. It also applies to Carilion events. 

What Will Not Change

Food service availability and quality will remain the same—only the packaging will look and feel different. 

What to Expect  

• Phased rollout starting in April: You will begin seeing the new products. Because locations have different on-hand inventory levels, this will not be a single “flip-the-switch” date. 
• Inventory burn-down: Remaining foam inventory will be used up while replacement products are introduced. The switchover will be complete before July 1, which is when the regulation takes effect. 
• Streamlined options: To simplify ordering and stocking, we will stock streamlined options for container and cup sizes. We have a crosswalk document (PDF) available showing replacements for products that are being phased out.

What You Need to Do 

• Purchase only approved alternatives through standard channels. Approved products will be stocked in the warehouse and will be available to order in Workday. 
• Do not buy EPS items for break rooms or events through alternate sources (e.g., Amazon, big-box retailers, or P-card purchases) once the transition begins. Carilion can be fined if we use EPS products.  

Why This Matters 

• Compliance: Virginia law bans EPS food service containers by July 1. Environmental impact: EPS persists in the environment for centuries, is rarely recycled, and can become litter. 
• Health-forward choice: EPS is made from styrene, a possible carcinogen. Reducing EPS use supports a healthier environment for employees, patients, and visitors. 
• Environmental impact: This change will eliminate approximately 4,020,704 pieces of foam that were sent to landfills each year from Carilion alone! The new products do not take as long to break down in the environment. 

Resources and Questions 

• A product crosswalk (PDF) is available.  
• Information about how to order supplies is available on Employee Center.
• If you have questions about ordering, substitutions, or availability during the transition, please contact Craig Bryant at csbryant@carilionclinic.org.
• For dining-area questions, contact Pat Bird at mpbird@carilionclinic.org.