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Post-coronavirus lockdown hygiene concerns could see a fall in the use of plastic lids and straws, a packaging expert has predicted.<\/p>\nPost-coronavirus lockdown hygiene concerns could see a fall in the use of plastic lids and straws, a packaging expert has predicted.<\/p>\n
Tommy McLoughlin, whose company produces recyclable paper cups for hot drinks, says he believes the pandemic will change how people eat and drink.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlastic lids and straws are a high-profile example of poor hygiene practice and are usually available unwrapped in public spaces at food service areas,\u201d the Butterfly Cup boss said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe manner in which lids and straws are stacked and handled, particularly at self-service outlets, increases the risk of cross-contamination and will trigger anxiety among consumers.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeverage retailers now need to reconsider the choices they offer consumers on the basis that customers will react negatively to products which increase the risk of cross-contamination.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe impacts of Covid-19 will persist into the future and hygiene practices in the catering industry will become a much more sensitive concern for customers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe industry now has an opportunity to reflect strategically and plan ahead for the longer-term impact on consumer choices.\u201d<\/p>\n
Butterfly Cup does not require lids or straws and opening and closing the cup does not require contact with the drinking spout.<\/p>\n
It is also compostable and biodegrades naturally at the speed of regular paper if improperly disposed of as environmental litter.<\/p>\n
The cups are in use in almost 20 countries, including the US, Japan and several European states.<\/p>\n