A petition started by eco-influencer Madeleine Olivia in partnership with Frugalpac – manufacturer of the UK’s first fully recyclable cup made from recycled paper – has reached over 6,000 signatures, just in time for World Environment Day on 5th June 2019.
As figures from Eunomia Research & Consulting suggest that the UK uses as many as 5 billion coffee cups per year, contributing 30,000 tons of coffee cup waste throughout that time. This is a result of the common misconception that disposable cups are widely recycled, and that they can be thrown away in any recycling bin for processing. However, the majority of UK recycling plants are unable to easily recycle virgin paper-based or compostable cups, meaning that many simply end up at landfill or incineration plants.
In recognition of this, over 5,000 Brits have joined the coffee cup revolution, calling on UK coffee shops to review their current paper cup suppliers and ensure that they only stock sustainable cups, made from recycled paper, that can be easily recycled in the standard waste stream.
Malcolm Waugh, CEO at Frugalpac, commented:
“The number of cups not being processed efficiently in the UK is extremely worrying, but it is fantastic to see so many people backing us in our efforts to raise awareness of the current waste problem. Earlier this year we launched the Frugal Cup, the UK’s first fully recyclable coffee cup made from 100% recycled paper, with the idea of tackling this issue head on.
“There has always been a disconnect between the alleged environmental credentials of many virgin-paper based and compostable cups used by coffee shops and what actually happens to them once they’ve been thrown away. Frugalpac is proud to have led the way in educating both consumers and operators on the current level of waste produced by disposable coffee cups in the UK, encouraging coffee shops, restaurants and offices to #getFrugal by making the switch to the Frugal Cup.”
The Frugal Cup provides a sustainable alternative to current cups on the market. Made from recycled paperboard, with no waterproofing chemicals, the cup’s food-grade liner separates easily during the standard recycling process. Both elements can then be recycled through separate streams which means that the cup can be disposed of in any recycling bin at home, on the street, in the coffee shop or office.
To find out more and #getFrugal, sign the petition here https://bit.ly/2HAGOqY and encourage all UK coffee shops doing their bit for the environment and using recyclable cups.