Devon businesses working to go green

Environmental issues will undoubtedly continue to be the subject of ongoing debate but this year has seen a significant increase in many businesses actually taking action and reviewing current practices. A simple matter of which cup should the staff and/or customers use when drinking tea, coffee or any other beverage, seems to have raised the profile of this important matter.

The media frenzy surrounding the use of non-recyclable or plastic cups has created a positive reaction and realisation that the protection of our world is essential. Devon continues to be at the forefront of the movement, thanks to the Plastic Free North Devon campaign. An industry expert gives us the scoop on how local companies are doing amidst the eco movement.

Willand company, Spot-On-Supplies, have noticed that many customers have made the relatively easy switch from plastic to paper straws. But finding a solution for the cup problem is more complicated due to the more numerous options available: porcelain cups, reusable takeaway cups, compostable cups, or the traditional single-use disposable which, ideally, should be recyclable.

Managing Director Roger Moore tells us: ‘In the spring, it was compostable cups and straws that were all the rage so much so that satisfying demand presented an interesting challenge given that these items are all imported from Far Eastern manufacturers and therefore stock has to be ordered several months in advance. Compostable plant based straws were a brief trend before the introduction of durable paper straws resulted in another market change.’

‘Initially, we received numerous enquiries and orders for compostable cups, although the substantially higher premium commanded for these items deterred many customers from making the switch from the significantly less expensive alternatives. However, in order to satisfy the ongoing interest, we had to offer other more viable options to enable the customer to decide what works for them in the long run,’ he explains.

The reusable takeaway cup trend also appears to be gaining momentum, despite the cups needing washing. Easy portability, longer durability and the ability to personalise the cup with advertising logos or slogans are all major benefits which add to the attraction of moving to this more environmentally conscious alternative. Company colours and brand image can also be satisfied due to the variety of colours available.

Businesses are now frequently using them as corporate gifts, employees are using them both inside and outside the office and more cafés are now offering a discount when refilling customers own reusable cups.

Compostable paper cups continue to increase in popularity. Although the majority of compostable cups currently end up in landfill, they will degrade but at a much slower rate compared to being handled by a commercial composting facility, which regrettably, are currently not easily utilised.

Budgetary consideration will ultimately rule such that the disposable paper cup is still likely to dominate the market. Although offering the lowest cost, the use of single-walled cups continues to decline due to the need for users to be supplied with an additional cardboard sleeve in order to be able to hold the vessel when full with a hot drink. The sleeve only increases the waste to be recycled. Double-walled or barrier cups satisfy this safety aspect without the need for additional protection.

The use of disposable cups is not the root of the problem, instead their disposal is the main area of concern. Participation in a recognised recycling scheme, staff commitment to separating cups from general waste in dedicated bins, as well as ensuring that the material used in their manufacture comes from a certified sustainable source, all contribute to providing solutions.