A huge number of coffee drinkers still believe that single-use cups from supermarkets and coffee chains are recyclable. Sadly, the plastic or wax linings used to make the cups waterproof make the separation process very complicated, which means that the vast majority end up in landfill.
In the UK alone, it is estimated that an incredible 2.5 billion disposable cups are dumped in landfill or incinerated each year.
Today, many outlets are already offering customers discounts on their hot drinks to incentivise the use of reusables.
With talk of a possible charge on single-use coffee cups following the huge success of the plastic bag levy in a selection of European countries in recent years, coffee-loving consumers are realising the benefits of using an eco-friendly coffee cup.
Made with natural, organic and biodegradable bamboo fibre, the Ecoffee Cup is sturdy yet light, is naturally sterile, has a resealable and 'drip proof' lid for easy storage in bags, and is fully dishwasher safe.
Bamboo fibre - used in the product - is one of the planet's fastest-growing most sustainable resources.
The product is BPA and phthalate free.
According to its manufacturers, the Ecoffee Cup doesn't flavour taint the coffee, unlike many plastic reusables.
Ecoffee Cup offers a wide range of vibrant designs from block colours, striped or spotted, to geometric, feather or floral patterns.
The recently launched limited-edition William Morris collection features 14oz cups that will last for years if looked after.
When it comes to the end of its natural life, the product is biodegradable - it can be simply crushed, soaked in boiling water and added to compost to start the biodegrading process.
With over 100 billion single-use coffee cups going to landfill every year globally, products such as the Ecoffee Cup are welcome news for consumers with a conscience.
© 2016 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here.
