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creation. A takeout cup that burns the fi ngertips or a splashing loose lid can ruin an intimate encounter before it meets its intended lips. Th at makes the choice of cups, lids and coff ee sleeves as important as any aspect of roasting or preparation. A distinctive cup will become a billboard to spread the good word or send a broader message about the environment. Foodservice chains have speeded the development of
nce your baristas have conjured up the perfect, foamy cappuccino, they'll need a vessel to contain this heady
sustainable options. In March, McDonald's Corp. announced a test of double-walled paper cups in 2,000 restaurants, replacing polystyrene cups. Th e chain phased out plastic clamshell containers in 1990 and is now recycling nearly 30 percent of its paper packaging. Last fall Dunkin' Donuts said it would explore alternatives to polystyrene. Huthtamki Packaging Inc., maker of Chinet plates, worked
needs of a number of our largest, most environmentally conscious customers, who have well-developed composting and waste management targets," says Chris Lambrou, Huhtamaki's director of paper foodservice products. "We believe that Huhtamaki Inc. is the fi rst company in North America to
with big clients to produce a compostable insulated paper hot cup and cornstarch-based sipper lid (www.us.huhtamaki.com). "Th ese products were specifi cally developed to meet the
24 | July 2012 • www.specialty-coffee.com
locally produce a 100 percent compostable triple-wall insulated paper cup. Th e cup has passed all the relevant ASTM testing for compostability, and is now BPI [Biodegradable Products Institute]-certifi ed."
CUSTOM CHOICES Th e choices are expanding even for custom cups and
containers. Th is year Visstun supplements its 16-ounce food containers with an 8-ounce sampling size. Popular sizes of paper hot cups or white plastic cups can be printed with full- color customer designs in about a week, in as little as 125 pieces, with tops or sleeves to match. "Our unique approach to printing and manufacturing
for half of Huthtamki's sales in the category. "Th ese products focused on the market demand for a cup that could deliver a strong brand image for our customers and do so while being sensitive to the environment,
marketing. Choices include seven sizes of clear or white plastic cups safe for home top rack dishwashing and reuse. Hot cup sleeves are made from recycled paper (www.visstun.com). Recycled-content hot cups introduced in 2009 now account
" says Paula Piano, Visstun's director of sales and " Lambrou says. "Th e smaller
enables cafes, coff eehouses and restaurants of all sizes to create a big brand look that drives business and generates repeat customers,
