From:Packaging News

New research commissioned by Huhtamaki shows that 85% of consumers want outlets to use compostable takeaway cups for hot drinks.

The research also showed 80% of the UK population purchase takeaway hot drinks, and over half of consumers (57%) would pay 2% more for their drinks to be served in compostable takeaway cups.

Additionally, 83% of consumers would prefer caterers to use disposable cups made in the UK.

Two thirds of consumers (68%) are aware of the availability of biodegradable paper and ‘plastic’ products, and understand the concept of biodegradability. Consumers want to be told about the environmental impact of the products they are using – 89% think information about the compostability and recyclability of products should be provided.

More than two thirds of consumers (42%) want to see messages relating to the provenance of ingredients and the ethical sourcing of materials used to make the disposable cup.

Huhtamaki researched three main areas – frequency and type of purchase, the importance of the disposable cup, and environmental concerns – amongst 2,000 respondents.

The range of outlets from which they buy is varied – with this sample of respondents Costa is the most popular (28%), but the popularity of McDonald’s (13%) and Greggs (7%) shows that consumers are buying from non-traditional coffee shops too.