As the owner of a café, coffee shop or restaurant, deciding to go green is no longer just a trend; it is a social responsibility. When serving delicious iced coffees, the choice of eco-friendly disposable cups to use, along with the best type of lid, impacts your company’s sustainability goals and your customers’ satisfaction.
Let’s explore the factors that affect your choice between paper or plastic disposable cups and flat versus domed lids.
Cups: Paper or Plastic?
Paper cups are leading the race in the pursuit of sustainability. They are made from paper sourced from renewable materials and have a much smaller carbon footprint than their plastic counterparts. Paper cups are biodegradable and compostable, yet they are designed to be sturdy enough to hold iced coffees, juices and frappes without leaking or crumpling.
When it comes to convenience, plastic often comes out on top. They are traditionally made from non-renewable resources and have long decomposition periods. However, recycling technologies have grown in leaps and bounds. This, along with improved production techniques, means that plastic cups and lids can more easily be recycled, which alleviates their environmental impact.
Lids: Flat Or Domed?
For on-the-go comfort, selling iced coffees in disposable cups presents the dilemma of the best choice of lid. Flat lids are sleek and straightforward and ideal for takeaway sipping. However, domed lids can enhance the overall customer experience with space for toppings like whipped cream, yoghurt, ice cream, syrups or sprinkles to take your icy product to the next level.
So, it is important to consider the nature of your iced coffee creations when choosing the best lid option, ensuring it matches your customer’s expectations for functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Actively Promoting A Recycling Culture
Promoting and practising recycling in your business makes a powerful statement to your eco-conscious clients. In addition, it signals to your target audience that you are serious about environmental responsibility as one of your organisation's core values. Whether on-site recycling bins or eco-friendly packaging options, you can communicate your commitment via all your marketing platforms to promote a greener brand identity.
As café and restaurant owners, your commitment to sustainable practices extends beyond your choice of eco-friendly disposable cups and lids. At Planet Friendly Packaging, we offer a full range of biodegradable packaging for food and beverage service. Take a look.
