With logos and marketing messages imprinted onto cups in a range of settings and locations, the disposables market has indeed assumed something of a ‘dual role’. And while Dr. Punchard may be referring to the goods available from retailers, the point he raises translates directly onto the shelves of this industry too.

One way in which a company can make an internal and external statement that theirs is a company that cares, is by investing in more environmentally friendly disposables. This was confirmed  in November last year when Mintel, a leading market research company, announced the 12 consumer packaged goods trends for 2011, of which sustainability was one: “Sustainability is not slipping down the priority list, but instead of seeing new developments, expect to see a continuation of what we have seen, with a few twists.”

Product development

Crown Cup is an independent operator and NIVA member specialising in the wholesale and vending segments. Crown Cup recently secured a number of new vending contracts, including a prestigious local authority, which has required an expansion of their range of vending cups and own branded cup.

Crown Cup has decided to source their full range of branded vending cups from Benders Paper Cup Company due to the quality and reliability of the Benders paper cups.

Paul Marriott, Managing Director of Crown Cup said: “In the last couple of years we have seen a significant move from plastic to paper cups and with the additional volume coming in from new contract wins, we felt it was the right time to launch our own branded cup and offer a full range of paper cups, and Benders seemed the natural partner for our company.”

Benders’ Vending Sector Manager Ian Keeffe said: “We are delighted to continue our association with Crown Cup, with whom we have traded for over 17 years. With paper vending in the ascendancy, we look forward to supporting Crown Cup grow their existing and new business opportunities.”

As part of their commitment to the environment, Benders Paper Cup Company not only make all paper cups in the UK using ethically sourced raw materials from sustainable, managed forests, but are also an active member of the Paper Cup Recovery & Recycling Group.

Huhtamaki’s BioWare paper hot cups are manufactured using paperboard material that is PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) Chain of Custody certified.

PEFC aims to promote sustainable development in forest management and assurance that the material in the final product can be traced back to a sustainable source, managed with due respect for environmental, economic and social standards.

Catherine Tipper, Head of Business Excellence, Huhtamaki (UK) commented: “Huhtamaki is committed to sourcing from suppliers who promote good forestry practice and we’re proud to demonstrate our support for the high ecological, social and ethical standards required for sustainable forest management. We’re delighted that our UK site has been accredited for PEFC – a great positive statement to highlight on our BioWare cups and a process which we’ll be sure to roll out across our other product ranges too.”

BioWare hot cups are available in a stylish stock design which includes the PEFC logo, and for those who wish to custom-print their BioWare cups to feature their own branding, the PEFC logo can also be incorporated into their own artwork!

Fully certified in accordance with the European norm for compostability of packaging (EN13432), BioWare cups can be composted within 60 days in the optimum condition of industrial composting facilities. Used BioWare cups can be collected from workplaces and sent to industrial composting facilities by Save a Cup, as part of a nationwide scheme which sees the waste product turned into quality compost for use in farming and horticulture.

The BioWare paper cup range includes varieties suitable for hot, cold and vended beverages; and is the ideal choice for caterers concerned about their impact on the environment who are looking to offer customers a completely ethical beverage service – in fact, over half of caterers are serving Fairtrade/ethically-sourced beverages, with the majority of these also considering the type of disposable cups used to serve the product to be important too.

Trends impact on design

Going back to the report issued by Euromonitor International, Dr. Benjamin Punchard insists that to be successful companies must respond to consumer demand with more appropriate packaging: “Whilst a single pack type might be iconic for your brand, consumers have different consumption needs and the packaging portfolio need to deliver to these.

“It is important for brand owners to know what consumers are recognising in their packaging and to ensure this is reinforced in all the packaging formats used for that brand.”

International Paper Foodservice is doing just that; giving the UK vending market the opportunity to replicate the High Street coffee shop experience by suggesting it makes a radical move away from the traditional standard plastic 7 oz vending cup.

The leading paper cup manufacturer is producing 8oz, 10oz and 12oz cups, typical of what you would expect to get in a high street chain coffee shop.

Mike Gardner, Sales & Marketing Director for International Paper’s Foodservice business in Europe, explained: “High street coffee shops serve drinks in 8oz and 12oz cups mainly and, whilst there have been 12oz paper vending cups for many years, the 8oz has not been available. Whether the consumer is on a factory floor, in an office, or any other place of work, the idea of a machine giving coffee as good as the High Street is going to appeal. The size of the cups and the fact that they are paper and not plastic adds to the experience. We are calling for a revolution. It’s time to switch your 7oz plastic cups for our smart, well-designed paper cups – and bigger drinks mean bigger margins!”

International Paper has been producing paper cups for over 50 years and its range now includes an 8oz cup for vending machines and, as these have a 73mm diameter, they can be dropped into 7oz Squat cup units without the need for splitter modifications… Perfect!

Plastics take the environmentally friendly route

RPC Tedeco-Gizeh is the market leading UK based manufacturer and supplier of plastic vending and drinking water cups, an integral division of the wider RPC Group - European leader in rigid plastic packaging. The comprehensive range of cups manufactured at the factory in Kenfig, South Wales includes the industry standards of 7oz Squat/Tall and 9oz Squat cups for hot drinks. The division also manufactures the 7oz clear for cold drinks and a wide range of drinking cups and styles, in addition to the recently launched Hot=Cool insulated cup and Prestigo ranges.

The core ranges of vending cups are available in a range of colours to meet the demands of individual serving environments, and can also be custom printed to endorse individual branding or drive promotional messages and seasonal activity.

 RPC Tedeco-Gizeh is committed to maintaining the highest quality standards to provide a consistently reliable vending solution, with environmental concerns a key priority RPC Tedeco-Gizeh vending cups are made from 100% recyclable material and are at the forefront of national recycling initiatives offering a range of cup collection options and accessories made from recycled materials.

The business focus, ethic and quality standard make RPC Tedeco-Gizeh the vending cup manufacturer of choice to Mars Drinks, the AVS Group, Bunzl, Refresh U Group, NIVO Group and countless excellent independent vending operators.

A cost effective marketing tool, companies that invest in their ‘throw away’ items will enhance their image in a way that impacts positively on the environment. So while the strength of a product or brand does not rely solely on good packaging, the marketing machine will soon run out of steam without it.

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