The Netherlands has banned caterers from serving takeaway cups containing plastic and Belgium has banned the sale of plastic cups completely. Meanwhile, England and Wales have also banned the use of certain single-use plastics.
Adam Trethewy, commercial lead at Circular & Co, said: “Through a combination of tightening legislation and evolving consumer preferences, many businesses serving hot drinks are already starting to explore sustainable concepts, but there’s still plenty of work to be done.
“While the banning of single-use plastic cups is a really positive step forward, businesses have a big opportunity to get ahead of further drivers of change now. By investing in truly circular concepts such as returnable cup schemes, the catering and hospitality sector can boost its sustainability credentials, bottom line and customer appeal all at the same time.”
Earlier this year Circular & Co launched the Circular Returnable Cup, the ‘solution to the single-use coffee cup problem’. The concept has already been adopted by Blenheim Palace and Tim Hortons each of which has been able to make 'significant' carbon savings as a result.
To find out more about Circular & Co and its returnable cup concept, visit: circularandco.com/returnable-cup-scheme.