The research shows that 80% of the UK population purchase hot drinks and 57% would pay 2% more for their drinks to be served in compostable takeaway cups. 83% of consumers would prefer caterers to use disposable cups made in the UK.
Almost a quarter of consumers buy takeaway hot drinks ‘very frequently’ (2-3 times a week or more), and the range of outlets from which they buy is varied. Costa is the most popular (28%), but non-traditional coffee shops like McDonald’s (13%) and Greggs (7%) are proving popular too.
The type of takeaway hot drinks purchased was also researched. Coffee-based beverages (77%) such as cappuccino and latte were most popular – together with the size most frequently ordered – 65% of consumers buy 12oz and 16oz takeaway hot drinks.
Two thirds of consumers (42%) want to see messages relating to the provenance of ingredients and the ethical sourcing of materials used to make the disposable cup.
2,000 respondents, who have purchased hot drinks from independent or high street coffee shops within the couple of months prior to being questioned, took part in the survey, which researched three main areas - frequency and type of purchase, the importance of the disposable cup, and environmental concerns.