Zomato has introduced PackSwitch, a web-based tool designed to help restaurants and other users identify packaging choices for different menu items with a focus on sustainability.

The platform allows restaurants to compare how various materials work with specific types of food and to reach verified suppliers through a three-stage process.

Users first select the dish, then review packaging materials suited to that food category and the reasons for their suitability and finally explore sourcing options from a list of verified suppliers.

Materials featured on the site include aluminium, compostable plastic, earthenware, glass, and paper, including kraft and coated paper.

The launch follows Zomato’s Plastic-Free Future initiatives.

Since December 2024, the Plastic-Free Future Programme has recognised more than 10,000 restaurants across over 500 cities for replacing plastic packaging for their main menu items.

As of 31 March, 2026, restaurants in the programme had together completed more than 100 million “low plastic packaging” orders.

The food ordering and delivery platform said PackSwitch is intended to support broader use of sustainable food delivery packaging by restaurants across the country.

Use of sustainable and biodegradable packaging materials may make food orders costlier by 10% to 30% for consumers, said Anjali Ravi Kumar, chief sustainability officer, Zomato, reported The Hindu.

Kumar said: “Sustainability is embedded in how we do business across Eternal companies. Over the last two years, we've invested in building consumer awareness through Zomato's Plastic-Free Future programme, which awards restaurants a 'low plastic packaging tag' on the app to recognise them for moving away from plastic to pack main dishes. PackSwitch focuses on building restaurant awareness through dish-led sustainable packaging information.”