For decades, single-use cups have been the norm in quick-service restaurants (QSR), gas stations, and regional coffee houses.
The numbers are pretty staggering, but American’s use approximately 120 Billion disposable, single-use cups a year. And the unfortunate reality is that the paper coffee cups, which make up nearly half of the single-use cups used annually, don’t get recycled.
Reusability is crucial. But while there have been some encouraging developments, the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically slowed down the progress of these efforts. To limit contact and avoid passing on the virus, several national coffee chains reluctantly banned the use of reusable cups in 2020.
Now in 2022, we all have a better understanding of the virus and a renewed urgency to limit dependence on the single-use cup. And at Airlite, we think the Again! Cup® can be a catalyst for collaboration and change.
Refill is the New Recycle
At Airlite, we’re committed to creating a more sustainable future. The brands we work with are continually implementing new strategies to join us in that effort.
We see the Again! Cup® as an exciting opportunity for companies in the food and beverage industry to take a giant step toward their sustainability goals. Together, through the power of reusability, we can reduce single-use and create a rapid decrease in landfill materials.
Our BPA-Free, injection-molded Again! Cup® can be cleaned, refilled, and distributed for resale over and over again. And because of the ergonomic design and cool-touch ribbing on the outside of the cup, the Again! Cup® eliminates the need for a paper sleeve—reducing waste in landfills and operational costs.
Benefits:
- Cool-touch ribbing makes it easy and safe to grip. No need for a sleeve!
- Completely recyclable and reusable.
- Made from up to 50% post-consumer recycled plastic, reducing the need for virgin resin.
- Stylish, counter-worthy design leaves a strong brand impression.
- IML (in-mold labeling) provides a high-end look that can be customized throughout the year based on seasonal promotions and designs.
- Available in both 16oz and 20oz sizes.
- Increases consumer involvement in a brand’s sustainability story.
Closing the Loop
We’re encouraged to see some brands begin to resume their refillable cup programs. Along with companies like Loop, who work alongside brands to help implement new circular packaging programs, we’re also seeing prominent brands roll out their own reusable programs and subscription-based refill models.
To create a successful reusable cup program in your stores, you first need a cup that can be washed and used again and again and still look great and feel great in your hand. The injection-molded, in-mold labeled Again! Cup® is just that; a breakthrough opportunity and perfect vessel to build your reusability platform around. And it’s a great way to increase your customer’s involvement in your sustainability story by giving them a branded, counter-worthy cup they want to reuse.
Polypropylene isn’t recyclable at every materials recovery facility around the country due to lack of infrastructure and demand. Help us make a change and take a step toward a true circular economy by utilizing a cup made from post-consumer recycled materials and creating a greater demand for PCR polypropylene.
We believe in the possibility of a zero-waste future and creating functional sustainability through innovation and design. So let’s work together to reduce single-use and make the circular economy a reality.