There's been much talk in the news of late about the amount of waste that results from coffee cups, following a recent report from the Environmental Audit Committee, and big brands are taking note and making a change. The coffee cup revolution is coming.
The wider issue about plastic waste has been building momentum of late, with various brands taking steps to reduce their waste, such as supermarket Iceland vowing to eliminate plastic from its own-brand products within the next 5 years, and attention has recently turned to the large-scale use of polyethylene-lined disposable coffee cups.
The EA Committee has called on a 25p "latte levy" on disposable coffee cups, and for coffee cups to be fully recycled by the year 2023, with a ban imposed on the cups if this target is not reached in time.
To put the wider use into perspective, here in the UK we get through an astounding 7m disposable coffee cups every day – that's 2.5 billion every year, with less than 1% recycled.
Brands Taking Notice
Coffee chain Pret-a-Manger has introduced a 50p discount for those bringing their own mug in store, doubling their initial 25p discount this year. Other high-street giants, Costa, Starbucks and Paul offer a 25p incentive, while Caffe Nero offers double loyalty stamps for those coming with their own cup. So how long before we all carry around our own reusable cups and mugs to fulfil our take away coffee or tea habits?
In our February drinkswatching report, we covered in detail 'eco-coffee' and improving the sustainability of your morning coffee, covering alternative options available, and being taken by brands to join the fight. You can read the article in full here. Can't see the article because you're not a tfp subscriber? Get in touch today to get signed up.