In a world that likes to eat, food packaging is the number one contributor to waste. To counter negative impacts on the environment and to prioritize the health of customers, Scyphus, the leader in 100% UK manufactured branded paper cups, has pioneered by developing a 100% biodegradable and compostable solution for the packaging of food and beverages since 2016.
By the end of 2018, it will have completely shifted towards absolute sustainability, transforming its whole range of products ranging from paper cups to disposable food containers into 100% biodegradable ones.
Scyphus commits to zero tolerance towards petroleum-based plastic
Every year, over 2.5 billion disposable cups are thrown away in the United Kingdom. However, very few are recycled and the large majority finishes its lifespan at landfills, generating 25,000 tonnes of waste.
In recognition of environmental risks, green living is being embraced by many citizens as well as companies around the world. Scyphus strongly believes that there should be no gray area.
This is the reason why the company, firmly devoted to support 100% UK resources, introduced a variety of fully biodegradable and compostable paper cups since 2016. The Northampton-based company has always been committed to deliver consistently healthy and conscientious products, with zero tolerance towards petroleum-based plastic.
Since its very inception, Scyphus has dedicated itself in producing the most economical best and highest quality eco-friendly products. All the raw materials are strictly sourced from the UK; the paper used is acquired only from mills that source timber from PEFC and FSC Certified sustainable forests.
In this vein, the company not only guarantees the quality and competitive prices of its products, but also supports the local economy. Apart from the existing 100% biodegradable cups, the other paper cups, food containers and accessories are all 100% recyclable when disposed properly in recycle waste bins.
To contribute further in saving the planet and ensuring that safe products reach the hands of consumers, the company will finish revamping its whole range of products by manufacturing only 100% biodegradable ones by the end of this year.
Selling over 55 million of branded paper cups up to now, Scyphus expects to cause a packaging breakthrough by helping to divert millions of cups away from landfills on the long term.
Biodegradable food packaging is set to dominate the market
A recent research conducted by PMR underlines that the cups and bowls segment account for the major biodegradable foodservice disposables market share. This slice is expected to maintain its leading position through 2022.
Disposable short-life products such as paper cups moreover dominate the market as a powerful waste management solution. Big event caterers and distributors are actively joining the green movement and subsequently giving a boost to PLA disposable tableware and food packaging, marrying the need for convenience and the need to be environmentally friendly.
With the access of smart biodegradable technologies, Scyphus considers that companies and other players in the foodservice industry now have the responsibility to join the green movement. The company strongly believes that it is its duty to switch to fully sustainable packaging to help clean up the world’s carbon footprint and prevent further damage to the environment when bioplastic is handy. Its goal is also to preserve and protect the planet not only for the current generations but also for the future ones.
Biodegradable paper cups are easy to recycle and free from toxins
Paper coffee cups have been viewed as problematic by some for the simple reason that they cannot be made from 100% paper or cardboard alone. To keep beverages warm and prevent the cup from getting soggy and mushy, a thin layer of plastic is blended with the paper.
This lamination made paper cups difficult to recycle as special facilities are needed to separate the linings. Many recycling plants have also been rejecting these types of paper cups and as a result, most of them end up in landfills.
However, technological innovations have paved the way for bioplastics made from plants, trees, corn and sugar cane, which are sustainably sourced, fully compostable, and can be recycled with food waste.
They can be broken back down into their component parts over time by the action of biological organisms and fully absorbed by the earth. Most bioplastics, apart from those made from potato starch, contain no allergens and are safe for atopic consumers.
According to a report presented by the Michigan Biotechnology Institute and Michigan State University, the rich humic material created can additionally improve water and nutrient retention and help plants grow healthier with less need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Bioplastics is equally the top energy-efficient choice. In the United States, for instance, 200,000 barrels of oil per day are currently used solely in the manufacturing of plastic packaging. Since biodegradable products are made from renewable resources instead of oil, significant cuts in the consumption of oil can be achieved.
Improving brand image with biodegradable takeaway paper cups and containers
As the Sustainable Products Corporation puts it, sustainable products “provide environmental, social, and economic benefits while protecting public health, welfare, and environment over their full commercial cycle, from the extraction of raw materials to final disposal.”
Motivated by environmental and health concerns, consumers are also demanding that businesses execute sustainable practices throughout all of their business ventures. In this era, environmentally friendly items can only boost the overall marketing strategy of businesses by reflecting the core values and vision of a brand. A report by PR Newswire indicated that 89% of consumers opt for an environmentally friendly lifestyle and this includes using green products. By resolving to include eco-friendly products in its marketing strategy, a brand is engaging the majority of consumers and potential clients that advocate green-living.
With immense attention focused on recycling and eco-friendly lifestyles, many consumers are limiting their purchases of certain products to brands that use biodegradable packaging products. Retailers, as well as restaurant and coffee outlet owners, can only enhance their potential to increased sales and profit by appealing to environmentally conscious consumers through the use of biodegradable takeaway cups and containers.
