Huhtamaki adds compostable double-walled Impresso hot cup to Bioware range

18 Jul 2019 --- Finnish paper-based packaging specialist Huhtamaki has launched a new compostable Bioware Impresso double-walled hot cup. Adding to Huhtamaki’s existing Bioware compostable range, this new cup in a mixed sleeve of white and green designs utilizes the unique Impresso bubble emboss which provides enhanced insulation and a tactile touch for the holder.

The cup utilizes sustainable 100 percent PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certified paperboard with a plant-based coating on the inside. As with all of Huhtamaki’s Impresso double wall cups, the innovative design means that the cup uses up to 25 percent less material than most other double and triple wall cups on the market. This reduces the weight of packaging without compromising on performance. These new cups are manufactured in the UK and are available for customers across Europe.

“We are experts in both cup design and manufacture, and our latest innovation, ‘feel-good,’ adds a compostable double wall cup to the Bioware range with our unique Impresso outer wrap that feels good to hold and provides enhanced insulation. The compostable Impresso has EN13432 certification, which means that it is compostable at approved composting facilities,” says Becci Eplett, Marketing Manager, Huhtamaki Foodservice UK.

“The hot drinks market is extremely competitive and customers are looking for environmentally sound choices. For those with access to industrial composting Huhtamaki’s ‘feel-good’ Impresso cup is the ideal solution. Our new ‘feel-good’ Impresso cup offers the perfect solution for an operator to deliver an excellent drinking experience as well as a product that is made from PEFC paperboard, with a plant-based lining that is certified compostable,” Eplett adds.

Last month, Huhtamaki participated in a study to analyze the life-cycle of various types of coffee cups, where it was found that paper cups generally have the lowest carbon footprint. Huhtamaki is the manufacturer of the plant polyethylene (PE) coated FutureSmart paper cup, which is made entirely from plant-based materials.

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland carried out the 2018-2019 study, which was commissioned by Huhtamaki and the Finnish paperboard manufacturer Stora Enso. The research compared paper cups to ceramic cups in a café setting, as well as to reusable plastic cups in a takeaway scenario.

In the case of ceramic cups, washing up efficiency is a major determiner in the degree of environmental damage as it accounts for a reported 90 percent of climate impact. When the effects of washing are combined with raw materials and production, a ceramic cup would need to be used at least 350 times before it had a smaller carbon footprint than a paper cup. However, if at least 80 percent of the paper cup is recycled, they are always the more environmentally friendly option, the study found.

In the takeaway scenario, ecological costs were calculated for paper cups combined with a plastic lid to prevent accidents. In this case, the reusable plastic cup would need to be used at least 20 times to have a smaller climate impact than the paper cup. If the paper cup is later recycled, or if it is made with a plant PE coating, then it would take 32-36 uses of the reusable cup to break even.

Edited by Joshua Poole